Katherine Callwood
ST. THOMAS — Katherine Callwood was crowned Miss University of the Virgin Islands 2015-2016 at the 35th Annual Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition held Saturday, April 11, on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. Thalia George, 21, was the first runner-up, and Olinger Augustin, 23, was the second runner-up.
“I feel very humbled and very honored that the judges thought I was the person for the job,” said Callwood. “My team and I did a great job of working hard and persevering.”
In addition to winning the Miss UVI crown, Callwood, 26, won Most Eloquent/Intellectual Speaker, Best Evening Wear and Miss Photogenic. She will receive a full-year UVI scholarship, which includes tuition, room and board. She also received other prizes.
George won Best Business Wear, Best Ambassadorial Presentation, Miss Congeniality and Best Performing Talent. Augustin was named Miss Popularity.
Callwood, a sophomore majoring in early childhood education, said she ran for Miss UVI because she and the University have very similar goals including, promoting education, excellent teaching and community service. Callwood, who attends UVI on the St. Thomas Campus, plans to be the director of her own early education school, which will serve low-income and special needs children. As Miss UVI, she hopes to network and implement strategies that promote UVI and education.
Callwood thanked “Team Katherine” for assisting her in winning Saturday’s competition.
Callwood succeeds Elisa Thomas, Miss UVI 2014-2015. Thomas is also the Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame queen.
The Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition is sponsored by the Student Government Association Queen’s Committee. Miss UVI serves as a goodwill ambassador for the University. This role includes but is not limited to participation in UVI’s recruitment efforts, representing the University locally and abroad, and maintaining a highly visible role on UVI’s campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix. One of Callwood’s first duties will be to represent UVI in the 2015 Adult’s Parade on Saturday, May 2.
