A DAY before Father’s Day, Joddian Harper gave her father a reason to celebrate. The 27-year old graduate of Moneague College in St Ann was, on Saturday night, crowned Miss Universe Jamaica North East 2017.

“Today is his birthday and tomorrow is Father’s Day. I am really happy to have made him proud tonight,” Harper told the Jamaica Observer shortly after her crowning.

Harper, who harboured dreams of becoming a model, was encouraged by relatives to enter the pageant.

“I’ve always wanted to do some form of modelling and to now see that it has finally paid off, I’m happy. My family members were behind me for entering. This is just one step closer to becoming Miss Universe Jamaica 2017,” said Harper.

Harper — who resides in Free Town, Glengoffe, in St Catherine — beat 13 other girls from the island’s north-east region to take the title and become an automatic finalist in the Miss Universe Jamaica Wellness and Beauty Pageant.

The coronation show, held inside the ballroom at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, was quite entertaining. The occasion opened with the 14 finalists appearing in casual wear while introducing themselves to the audience. They later appeared in swimwear courtesy of Khrishantii and evening wear.

Prior to the announcement of the top 10, sectional prizes were given to the following contestants:

Most Photogenic — Joddian Harper; Most Congenial — Alecia Harvey; Best Social Media and Best Smile — Ciara Evans; Most Aware — Italee Vernard; Best Stage Presence — Nekoda Diedrick; Most Altruistic (contestant who raised the most money for charity) — Kemille Miller; Beach Body and Best In Gown — Camelia Gayle.

Gayle, Errol-Dene Kelly, Sashell Stephenson, Harper, Renae Smith, Tanisha Senior, Evans, Vernard, Diedrick and Miller made it into the top ten.

After the interview segment, singer Adrian Campbell of the group One Third, delivered impressive covers of To Love Somebody, Love You Too Much and Oh Me Oh My. St Ann-based Zamunda performed a cover of Bob Marley’s Turn Your Lights Down Low.

The final results were fifth-place Ciara Evans, Sashell Stephenson in fourth place, Nekoda Diedrick in third position. First runner-up was Camelia Gayle and Harper, the new queen.

Shelle Parchment-Tweedie, franchise holder for the Miss Universe Jamaica North East pageant, was pleased with the proceedings.

“I think it was an amazing show with a difference. We showcased more of our Jamaican culture than we ever did,” she said. “It was an amazing partnership with the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande; the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us. We hope to continue this partnership.”