Elisa Thomas was crowned Miss University of the Virgin Islands 2014-2015 at the 34th Annual Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition held on Saturday, April 12, at UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts on St. Thomas. Shanice Wilson, 24, was the first runner-up, and Sheresia Gumbs, 20, was the second runner-up.
Kimberlee Donovan, 21, was named Miss Popularity. Wilson was named Miss Photogenic, and Gumbs received the title of Miss Congeniality.
In addition to winning the Miss UVI crown, Thomas, 20, won Most Intellectual Speaker, Best Performing Talent, Best Business Wear, Best Ambassadorial Presentation and Best Evening Wear. She will receive a full-year UVI scholarship, which includes tuition, room and board. She also received other prizes. Thomas is a junior majoring in communication. She was born on St. Thomas and is attending UVI on the St. Thomas Campus. Thomas aspires to work as a news anchor, host events and produce/host her own local television show.
The Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition was 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. Outgoing, Miss UVI 2013-2014 Murchtricia Charles, placed the Miss UVI sash on Thomas on Saturday. One of Thomas' first public activities will be to join in the 2014 UVI Carnival Troupe in the Adult's Parade on Saturday, May 3.