Denise Reid, Freelance Writer

Sachoy Ellis (centre) is the new Miss St James Festival Queen. Here, she is flanked by second runner-up Tania Levy (left) and first runner-up Carie Hutchinson. The coronation show was held at the Wexford Court Hotel on Saturday May 10.

Western Bureau:

In a competition which was rife with ladies full of talent and intelligence, it was Sachoy Ellis, who, after copping sectional prizes for philanthropy, best presentation and most culturally aware, was crowned Miss St James Festival Queen 2008.

Up to the time when the talent pieces were done, the competition was stiff. The interesting talent pieces, many of which were original dramatic presentations dealing with current issues, piqued the audience's interest.

In particular Tania Levy commanded the attention of the audience with her dramatic piece convincing all present that indeed she would achieve her goal of becoming an actress.

Thus the determining period of the night was during the 'interview' section. During this segment each of the eight contestants settled as comfortably as they could into a chair placed on the stage to perhaps make the nerve-wracking challenge of answering questions a little easier.

As they answered the questions which were read to them by TV presenter Jackie Norman of Klick TV, their answers proved to be great contributing factors to the positions they would hold at the end of the day.

A sharp and precise answer to the question with which she was presented, coupled with her thought-provoking talent piece, catapulted Sachoy Ellis to the first place position.

The other successful contestants in the competition were crowd favourites, Carie Hutchinson who placed second and Tania Levy of Dumfries who placed third.