The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will host the 2025 edition of its Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on Sunday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. The pageant, themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” is one of several events commemorating the College’s 35th anniversary.

Five students have been confirmed as contestants for the competition, which seeks to crown student ambassadors who will represent the institution throughout the academic year. The male contestants are Dakarai Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters. Competing for the title of Miss HLSCC are K’Meeya Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark.

The competition will take place over two days. The personal interview segment is scheduled for Friday, May 30, while the main event on Sunday will feature the Introduction and Business Wear segment, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and Question and Answer rounds.

Since its reintroduction following a brief hiatus, the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant has become a prominent student development initiative. Contestants selected as winners will receive scholarships and serve as official College ambassadors. Their roles include representing HLSCC at local and international events, participating in promotional campaigns, and engaging in leadership and public speaking opportunities.

The current titleholders, Mr. Malacoy Levons and Miss Jhadazia Lennard, have represented the College at formal engagements and outreach initiatives over the past year.

In a statement, Student Life Director Debra Hodge described the pageant as a significant part of campus culture and personal development. “What was once seen as a fundraiser event is now a celebration of identity, purpose, and student excellence,” she said.

In addition to the main titles, students and supporters will have the opportunity to select Mr. & Miss Popularity through an online voting system. Votes can be cast by liking official contestant photos on the HLSCC Facebook page between Wednesday, May 21 and Saturday, May 31 at 12 noon. Only reactions from users who follow the page will be counted.

Winners of the pageant will receive a custom-designed crown, sash, and sceptre, as well as access to professional training programs.

Tickets are currently on sale at the HLSCC Campus Store, Student Life Department, J&C Trading Ltd., and through any of the contestants. General admission is $35. Students from the Virgin Islands with valid ID can purchase tickets for $20.

For additional details, the public may contact the Student Life Department at (284) 852-7102.

As preparations for the Virgin Islands’ annual festival gather momentum, Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley has confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development is in the final stages of appointing a formal Festival and Fairs Committee board.

Speaking during an appearance on Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, 14 May, the Premier said that recommendations for board membership are currently under review and are expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval in the coming days.

“We anticipate that by next week, the Cabinet will approve the board appointments,” Dr Wheatley said. “Some of those who have been serving voluntarily have applied, and we look forward to having an officially ratified board in place.”

For years, the Festival and Fairs Committee has been driven by dedicated volunteers, many of whom have contributed tirelessly to the Territory’s cultural calendar. One such individual is Honourable Hart Smith, a former Director of Culture and a past Festival Queen, whose longstanding involvement was commended by the Premier.

“She has been part of the festival from way back,” he said. “We’re grateful to have someone with her knowledge and experience continuing to serve.”

While committee work has traditionally been unpaid, the Premier noted that legislation permits the Minister to provide stipends to appointed board members. Volunteers may also receive small benefits, such as complimentary access to events.

“It is a tremendous amount of work,” Dr Wheatley acknowledged. “If we can get the structure working efficiently and the finances allow, we will also look at what can be done to support sub-committee chairs, who put in a great deal of effort as well.”

The Premier was clear, however, that the government’s role in the festival is not commercial. “Our goal is not to make a profit,” he said. “We want businesses and vendors to thrive, but any revenue collected at the gate is intended solely to cover expenses and ensure everyone is paid. Vendors should not be left owed.”

In 2024, the festival generated over one million US dollars in revenue, though total expenditures exceeded that figure. Funding for the event is drawn from government allocations, private sponsorships and proceeds from festival-related activities.

As final plans are made for the upcoming festival season, Dr Wheatley reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cultural preservation, responsible stewardship and community engagement.

“We do this out of love for our culture and our people,” he said. “We’re working to ensure this festival is not only a success, but sustainable for the future.”

Former Miss British Virgin Islands, Kathlyn Archibald-Drew, is set to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Howard University as a member of the Class of 2025. A dedicated scholar, Kathlyn has distinguished herself with an Honors Economics Major and a double minor in Political Science and Philosophy.

The former Cedar International School student’s academic journey at Howard University will culminate on May 8.

With a passion for economic development and social change, Kathlyn is preparing to take the next step in her academic career at the London School of Economics, where she will pursue a Master’s in Local Economic Development.