Last Sunday, Aundrene Cameron emerged winner from a field of eight finalists in the Miss St Catherine Festival Queen Competition.

It was with her aim to promote Jamaican culture that the 21-year-old decided to enter the pageant.

“I entered the competition primarily because of the ability to have my very own parish project and the ability to be a cultural ambassador for the home of the historical first capital of Jamaica. I have looked up to some of the previous parish and national queens because of their tremendous impact on the community, and I hope that my reign allows me the opportunity to have a similar impact. I entered this competition so little girls can look on me and feel empowered to create change in their communities, and to promote and cultivate Jamaican culture,” the Spanish Town-based Cameron shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Cameron won three of the sectional prizes — Most Active in the Community, Most Culturally Aware and Best Performance.

Toni Woodburn finished in second place, while Sadara Ahindi Dyer, who won two sectional prizes (Most Poised and Most Popular on social media), took the third position at the crown held at The Cedar Grove Academy in Portmore, St Catherine.

Carene Sutton was voted Most Congenial by her fellow competitors.

Said Cameron: “This competition reinforced the importance of hard work and resilience. The rehearsal hours were lengthy. I am exhausted after all the preparation my colleague queens and I endured for weeks. However, the passion to be queen allowed me to push myself and invest in improving myself in every area.”

Cameron spoke about the preparation and her journey in the pageant to the crown.

“The journey was tiring but empowering. We were constantly growing, learning new things every day and how to be the very best versions of ourselves. We share countless joyous memories from training sessions. Our amazing trainers ensured that we were as prepared as we could be and committed to continuously working with us to make us stronger. We went through no point of the journey alone. We were always supportive of each other, and the trainers and instructors were also a source of strength,” said Cameron.

She recalled when her name was announced as the winner.

“I was completely at a loss for words. The other competitors backstage were cheering me on and telling me to go on to the stage and I was just frozen in time, completely in awe. Even at that point I was convinced that the crown could have gone to anyone, because each of the ladies is brilliant. I was truly honoured to be selected as Miss St Catherine 2023. I was moved to tears.”

Cameron, a past student of Ardenne High School and Campion College, also studied law at The University of the West Indies and is now in pursuit of a Legal Education Certificate at Norman Manley Law School.

Her family has been supportive during her pursuit for the Miss St Catherine festival queen title.

“My family has been extremely supportive. My mother, especially, has been a tower of strength. From transporting me to and from rehearsals and events, to helping me select my gown, ensuring my nails and hair were done, to ensuring I had everything I needed to execute. Each of my family members contributed in different ways, and every effort is appreciated,” Cameron disclosed.

The parish queen said she is ready and prepared for the next level of competition

“While I am confident in my ability to deliver above and beyond at the national finals, there is still much work to be done. As a perfectionist I always see room for improvement. I will continue to work on myself, with the support of my trainers and instructors, so that I will be exceptional at the national finals. I look forward to meeting the other parish queens, and to the new challenge which lies ahead,” Cameron shared.