Feb. 25, 2003 – Six young women who aspire to be crowned the 2003 V.I. Carnival Queen come April 12 were introduced in high style on Tuesday at a ceremony at the Renaissance Grand Beach Resort hosted by the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association, which is sponsoring the queen competition and show.
Khadija de Lagarde, Michelle Martin, Janelle Sarauw, Takara Scott, Kendra Vicars and Michelle Wiltshire introduced themselves to the hoteliers, media, family, friends and other well-wishers in the audience.
De Lagarde is the daughter of Edward and Vernelle de Lagarde. She is a senior at Charlotte Amalie High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She also is a member of the Sebastien's Majorettes. Upon graduation, she plans to attend the University of Maryland to pursue a double major in music and computer science.
"I decided to run for Carnival Queen because I thought it would be an excellent experience," de Lagarde said.
Martin is the daughter of Michael and Jeanette Martin. She is a senior at CAHS where she is captain of the cheerleading squad. She aspires to become a district attorney and hopes to attend Florida A & M University to study criminal law.
"I enjoy performing, so I see this as an opportunity to showcase my talent," Martin said of her interest in entering the competition.
Sarauw is the daughter of Levron and Carla Sarauw. The CAHS senior is a member of the National Honor Society and president of the Senior Class and plays on the school's basketball, volleyball and softball teams. She plans to attend Florida Atlantic University and is aspiring toward a career in nuclear engineering.
"I like challenges, and I think that running for Carnival Queen would be a challenge," Sarauw said. "I think that I possess the qualities to represent my country well and be an ambassador."
Scott is the daughter of Daryl and Lydia Scott. The CAHS senior is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She hopes to attend Emory University and pursue a career in medicine.
"I like challenges, and the experience is great because it is very rewarding," Scott said of her decision to compete.
Vicars is the daughter of Arthur and Leonora Vicars. She is a senior at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She also is a Devil Rays cheerleader and secretary of the Senior Class. She plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands and major in English, then transfer to the University of Tampa to pursue a career in criminal law.
"I always wanted to run, and I always enjoy challenges," Vicars said of the queen competition. "This event is not only physically challenging but intellectually challenging."
Wiltshire is the daughter of Steve and Hannah Wiltshire. She is a senior at All Saints Cathedral School where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She is a former Ms. Black Heritage. She plans to attend Emory University upon graduation and major in dance choreography and computer animation.
"I decided to run because of many past experiences in my life that have prepared me," Wiltshire said.
The St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association is the sole sponsor of this year's Carnival Queen Show, according to Kenneth Blake, V.I. Carnival Committee chair. The association has donated $30,000 in support of the contestants.

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