Teacher crowned Miss Hanover Festival Queen

Shantae Grant, a 23-year-old teacher at the Esher Primary School in Hanover, was crowned the 2018 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Miss Hanover Festival Queen last Saturday.

Grant was the popular choice in the competition, which culminated at the Jockey Factory grounds, in Lucea.

In addition to the coveted title, Grant also copped two of five sectional prizes which were on offer to the seven contestants. The awards she captured were: Most Culturally Aware, and Most Active in the community.

The radiant Grant, who walked away with a cash prize and other gift packages courtesy of the various sponsors, will now serve as Hanover's ambassador at social and cultural events, among other activities. She will also represent Hanover in the national competition.

Hyacinth Shakes Warren, the chairman of the JCDC Miss Hanover Festival Queen Committee, said she was impressed with the contestants whom she said were intelligent, exceeded expectations, and blossomed for the competition's climax.

"The contestants all did well and made the committee members proud," said Shakes Warren. "We empower our young ladies, it's hard work, all our volunteers put everything into making this happen, and next year it will be even bigger and better."