Her main objective for entering pageants is to bring awareness to endometriosis and showcase charities she is associated with. Kadejah Anderson, a frequent pageant entrant, was on Saturday evening crowned Miss Universe Jamaica East.

Anderson, who wore the sash Miss Mannequin Pieces, was a crowd favourite.

“I’m so happy, and I have worked so hard. I am feeling really good right now,” she told the Jamaica Observer shortly after the coronation, which took place at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa. “I wanted to bring forward that side of myself again. Having endometriosis, which I am really battling with, made me lose a bit of myself. But, doing this pageant has reminded me of how strong I am and that I am capable to doing anything.”

Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside.

The former Holy Childhood and St Andrew High School student is studying for a degree in management studies at the University of the West Indies. She is in the second of a three-year programme.

Anderson was Miss Global Jamaica (2016), and a finalist in the 2017 Miss Jamaica World pageant.

“I really think that pageantry gives you a platform to express who you are and to help other people,” she said.

Sara Dee Palmer, who wore the sash Miss One Stop Computers, finished second while another crowd favourite, Kayla Smith (Miss Chik TrendE) was third.

They advance to the grand finals of Miss Universe Jamaica in August.

Initially there were 21 contestants, but two withdrew days leading up to the finals.

Making the top 10 were Smith, Anderson, Palmer, Annecia Morgan (Miss D’ Marie Institute), Chavelle Williams (Miss Cherish), Marianne Konate Hernandez (Miss Farm Price JA), Shantelle Lee (Miss Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa), Jodi Ann Foster (Miss Male Ego), Kimora Lucas (Miss Ideas Evolution JA) and Laurie Ann Campbell (Miss Dunn’s Fine Furniture).

The top seven were Williams, Konate Hernandez, Lucas, Smith, Campbell, Palmer and Anderson.

In the sectional division there was a tie for Best in Evening Gown between Anderson and Smith.

Anderson was also awarded Miss Alturism and Best in Swimwear, while Essence of Style went to Shantelle Lee.

Zhane Robinson was awarded Miss Photogenic; Annecia Morgan copped Most Congenial and Runway Star.

Yaksta performed his hit song, Boogie Woogie at the end of the coronation. Dance group ASHE, singers Khalifa and D Burnz, and saxophonist Treasure, also performed.