Four males and six females, all residents from the AZ Preston Hall at the University of the West Indies (UWI), recently competed for the titles of Mr and Miss Preston Hall.

The coronation took place last Sunday at the Phillip Sherlock Centre, on the premises of the University of the West Indies.

At the end of the proceedings, Joshua Brown, a 20-year-old political science student, won the Mr Preston Hall title, while 19-year-old first-year psychology student Gabrielle Wright took the Miss Preston Hall.

In a post-pageant interview with Observer Online, both titleholders shared their experiences in the pageant and what they hope to achieve post-university.

“I entered the pageant because I wanted to challenge myself beyond academics and step into a space where I could represent my hall, my values and my voice. It was an opportunity to grow, inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the Preston community,” said Brown.

Brown shared that the pageant helped him to grow and develop.

“The journey was transformative. It pushed me mentally, emotionally and socially. There were moments of pressure, but also moments of growth, connection and self-discovery that I will carry with me long after the pageant.  My biggest motivation was the desire to make an impact. Knowing that I could use this platform to advocate for student welfare and represent my peers kept me focused and driven every step of the way,” Brown disclosed.

Winners and runners-up in the Mr and Miss Preston 2026 pageant.

He said that with the title of Mr Preston Hall, he has a lot of responsibilities to undertake.

“Winning this title signifies responsibility. It’s not just about recognition, but about leadership, service and being a voice for others. It represents trust placed in me by my peers. I hope to strengthen communication between residents and leadership, promote mental health awareness and create more inclusive and engaging activities. I want every resident to feel heard, supported and proud to call Preston home,” said the western Jamaica resident, who attended the Ruseas High School before matriculating to the University of the West Indies.

“After leaving UWI, I aspire to build a career in governance and public service, where I can contribute to national development and advocate for policies that improve the lives of people across Jamaica,” Brown confided.

For Wright, entering the pageant was a way to overcome her insecurities.

“I entered the Mr and Miss Preston pageant to prove to my younger self that I am enough. For a long time, I allowed insecurities, doubt and self-imposed limitations to define me, but I decided they would no longer determine the direction of my life. I believe God created me with purpose, and this stage became my platform to reflect that. More importantly, I wanted every woman watching to understand that they are capable of anything, the only real barrier is often themselves,” said Wright.

Describing the journey as both stressful and impactful, Wright said, “It was stressful because I faced several roadblocks, detours and even rejection. But through that, I had to persevere and find alternative ways to keep moving forward. At the same time, it was deeply impactful because it taught me adaptability, patience and the importance of understanding different perspectives and emotions. My biggest motivation were the people who invested in me, whether through their time, encouragement or financial support. It was no longer just about me; it became about honouring their belief in me and proving that their investment was worthwhile.”

Said Wright, “Winning this title represents strength and resilience. This crown is a constant reminder of what it took to get here, not just for me, but for all the contestants and title holders. That shared resilience is what carried us to this moment. In addition to that, the Miss Preston title is one that carries weight and signifies advocacy, leadership and excellence, all of which I will continue to embody.”

“With this title, I hope to create a meaningful impact, particularly with the women of Aston Preston Hall. Through outreach initiatives, I want to promote growth, confidence, and opportunity in younger girls via a big sister programme. I strongly believe that leadership begins with service, and I intend to lead by serving. In terms of student welfare and change, I would love to see more accessible and responsive support systems that genuinely reflect the realities students face. This includes stronger mental health resources, more open channels for student voices to be heard, and initiatives that support both academic and personal development. Too often, students struggle in silence, so I want to advocate for an environment where seeking help is normalised, and support is not just available but actively reaching students. Real change happens when students feel seen, heard and supported, not just academically, but holistically.”

Wright, who hails from St Mary and completed sixth form at York Castle High School, said she hopes to become a clinical psychologist after the completion of her studies.

“My goal is to positively impact the lives of others, because to me, making a meaningful difference in people’s lives is the greatest accomplishments anyone can achieve,” she said.

Shannah Hemmings and Ash-Monique McIntosh were first and second runners-up for the Miss Preston segment of the pageant, while Tashwayne Hill and Michael South finished in second and third places respectively for Mr Preston.

The sectional prize winners are People’s Choice — Kayla Sloley and Joshua Brown; Best Creative Wear — Joshua Brown and Gabrielle Wright; Most Socially Aware — Michael South and Gabrielle Wright; Best Evening Wear — Joshua Brown and Gabrielle Wright; Best Talent Piece — Tashwayne Hill and Gabrielle Wright; and Most Poised — Gabrielle Wright.