KINGSTON, Jamaica – Seven young ladies are lined up to compete for the Miss George Alleyne Hall title come March 7.

According to Coordinator and Hall Culture and Entertainment Affairs Chairperson Domonique Williams, the selection process to whittle down the number to seven contestants, was an easy one.

“The selection process was fairly easy for the planning committee. When we were sending out the forms for the girls to enter, we had an idea of who we wanted. We wanted outgoing, ambitious girls that embodied what The George Alleyne Hall is about. The seven contestants all showed what we were looking for,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

Williams shared that the girls will be judged on a number of factors.

“They will be judged on poise, eloquence, how they walk and speak, as well as embodying their gem. Our theme this year is Jewels of the Jungle, Gems of the Enchanted, so we are looking for the girl who embodies the gem that they were given,” said Williams.

Biology student Justeena Rhone describes the experience as rewarding. She is looking forward to building friendships with the other contestants.

“The experience has so far been really good, and I am looking forward to interacting and building friendships with the other ladies. I love bonding with other young ladies, because I don’t have a sister,” Rhone told the Observer, while adding “I entered because I’ve seen that my hall stands for inclusivity and community involvement, and I think I embody those qualities to represent the hall.”

Former Decarteret College student, now a law student, Moiya Richardson says she entered the pageant to boost her confidence.

“I wanted to develop my public speaking skills and to boost my confidence. It has been thus far, but I have never done a pageant before, so this is new to me,” the Manchester resident shared.

Antigua and Barbuda resident Lesheka Hodge, who is studying management studies with a minor in psychology and international relations, said she entered the pageant at the last minute.

“I decided to enter to give myself that exposure in the pageant world. My little sister back home in Antigua is a pageant girl and I intend to move onto more rigorous pageants,” she explained.

Talia Small, who is from Barbados, said she entered to improve in areas where she needed improvement.

“I entered to really get out of my shell, because I struggle with social anxiety,” said the geography, biology and geology student.

Former Ardenne High student Kelsie Spaulding wanted to shine some light on her project Her Space.

“I have a passion project called Her Space, which is about inspiring little girls through healing and empowering, and I think I needed a platform to bring about awareness to this project as well as a stepping stone. So this pageant is a beautiful starter,” said Spaulding who is studying a double major in integrated marketing communications and journalism.

Antoinette Robinson said she drew inspiration from a former Miss George Alleyne Hall titleholder to enter the pageant.

“Gabrielle Barnett showed me that if you put your mind to anything, you can do it. She was the reason why I decided to enter,” said the Clarendon native who once studied in the United Arab Emirates.

Katia Anglin, who aspires to become a diplomat, is pursuing a bachelor of arts in history and international relations.

“I joined this pageant as a way of expressing myself to build my confidence. I tend to struggle with issues, so I took this opportunity to show that I am able,” said Anglin.

The coronation is set to be held at the George Alleyne Hall at the University of the West Indies- Mona.