Philipsburg:---17 year old Miss Carnival St Maarten, Shanouelka Hodge did her country and family proud when she represented the island at the first ever International Queen Pageant. The pageant which attracted other beauties from Brazil, Mexico, Tenerif, Venezuela, Isla de Magarita, Suriname, Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, India, Colombia and Puerto Rico among others was held in Curacao.
The captivatingly beautiful Shanouelka stunned those in attendance as despite her dominance of the pageant she was rewarded with the first runner up position. The pageant which was attended by a large crowd was held on January 9th and saw 13 beautiful young ladies vying for the coveted title.
The Miss Carnival St. Maarten will return to the Island on January 17th, 2010 at 11:30 AM from Curacao and is expected to be greeted at the Princess Juliana airport by several of her fans and officials along with family members. Commenting on her performance, an elated Shanouelka said, "I am very grateful and thankful to almighty God for allowing me the golden opportunity of representing my country and secondly for doing so well," she said.
She noted that she is very pleased with her performance noting that while she did not win the title she is satisfied that she did her best at this very important pageant. She added that she has laid the platform for other beautifies from St Maarten to emulate. "I am hoping that from this other young ladies like myself can build on what I would have started and hopefully next year we can bring home the crown," a confident sounding Hodge said via telephone.
She expressed thanks and appreciation to her parents for what she described as their overwhelming and continuous support which she noted has helped her significantly in the build up and execution of the pageant. She also expressed similar sentiments to her sponsors, Windward Islands Airways N.V., Insel Air B.V. who ensured that Shanouelka was able to keep her pageant date.
Hodge also said that her sponsors were very gracious in their sponsorship of her dancers and costumes to and from Curacao. She also pointed out that the support and assistance that she got from Carol Tackling and Alberto Brooks for her costumes, Miguel Alexander for her preparation, her dress and her makeup and Clara Reyes; her choreographer was significant thus enhancing her performance.
Shanouelka said that the valuable experience that she gained participating in this pageant will enhance her confidence and dreams of aspiring to achieve her childhood dreams. She noted that a lot was learnt from the pageant while she was able to make friends who came from different parts of the world. "I learnt a lot and as such, I am grateful for the experience and would like to reiterate my thanks and appreciation to my parents for their support and confidence in me as hadn't it not been for them I may not have been able to attend such a prestigious pageant," the St. Maarten Queen noted.
She also thanked her dancers stressing that they played a pivotal role in her performance adding that everyone played a meaningful role thus she is forever grateful to her entire contingent.