Mikhala Bagot grinned from ear to ear and waved to her supporters when she was announced as the fourth Miss H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Ms. Bagot, along with Vianela Garcia and Tanya Belle, competed on Saturday at the HLSCC Auditorium.
More than 100 people watched the contestants battle for the crown in five segments: introduction, career wear, ambassadorial presentation, talent and eveningwear.
The five judges also considered service projects the young women were required to carry out prior to the show.
At the start of the competition, the contestants took the stage wearing black pants and colourful tops, and danced to Usher Raymond’s “Oh My God.”
Next, Ms. Belle took the stage alone, introducing herself as a “strong black woman” who is confident in herself. She added that she would be “setting the pace” for other contestants to follow.
The 18-year-old explained that she looks at the world through a “positive lens” and hopes to become an educator upon completing her studies.
Ms. Bagot, 19, who is on the college’s President’s List, said she plans to make her voice heard in the world. “Sit on the edge of your seat, because Mikhala Bagot is ready to take this day by storm,” she told the crowd.
Mr. Garcia, 19, explained that she had just been elected as HLSCC’s student government president. She added that she has a passion for music that she exercises as a member of the college’s choir and an all-female band, Adikshun.
The bilingual student also said she has a “passion for life” and is “committed to excel.”
At the end of the competition, which drew to a close shortly before midnight, Ms. Bagot walked away with awards from all five segments: Miss Intellect, Best Career Wear, Best Talent, Best Ambassadorial Presentation and Best Eveningwear.
Ms. Garcia won Miss Amity and Miss Photogenic, while Ms. Belle walked away with the titles of Miss Popularity and Best Service Project.