Above: Ms St Croix - Cliaunjel Williams. Photo:supplied

Born on the beautiful island of St. Kitts, West Indies, it was at the tender age of eight when my family migrated to St. Croix, USVI, the place where I have been blessed to spend the rest of my childhood and emerging adulthood. It is also here in my Virgin Island home where I found the zeal and commitment to advance not only myself, but my community through education and creativity. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is no trite Bible verse as it has become the motto and very foundation for my life and passions.

My aspirations for life, myself and my community are vast. My higher education journey began at UVI’s St. Thomas Campus where in May 2009 I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology. My passion for science has been a steady focus throughout my school career. It is my hope to not only fill a void where there has been a lack of women of color pursuing leadership roles and careers in the Sciences, but also to have a longstanding impact in the Virgin Islands community through my dedicated example and zeal for teaching. With this pursuit, I am now a science teacher at the John H. Woodson Junior High School.

Our educators are without a doubt the backbone of our society. They have the prescribed ability and permit to inspire, to mold the minds of society’s youth and in many cases to restore through their diligence what may have been lost through neglect or sub-standards. I’ve always had cause to admire my teachers and to see these leaders as possessing the essential qualities important for holistic success. I envision myself as that brand of leader, that educator who guides the success of children and young adults to their greatest capacity and leaves a positive imprint on the story of their lives.

Learning I believe is something that never stops, and the best ways you can learn is by listening, observing, discovering and experiencing. In my extracurricular life and activities I am a proud youth leader at Evangelistic Pentecostal Church of St. Croix, and founder of Say “YES” Academy (Non-profit organization) and member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. I also pursue volunteer initiatives through my active membership in the Mu Gamma Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, as well as many other organizations affiliated with the University of the Virgin Islands. I am also a fashion designer at heart, winning the “Emerging Young Designer Award” at V. I. Fashion Week 2008 and also designing for local cultural events and charities. Most recently I have officially announced my intention to further serve my community, as the reigning Miss St. Croix 2012-2013, through my platform, “The Solution to the Moral Decay and Continuing decline of the Virgin Islands.” I use my organization, Say “Yes” Academy as the foundation for this platform and it is my clarion call to my Virgin Islanders, and in particular, the youth to “Say Yes!” to Christ and to unheralded positivity in their choices and actions.

I am a very determined and conscientious young lady who works hard for what I want to accomplish in life. My faith and creativity will always be my strength because it drives me to excel and create innovative platforms for my aspirations. I look forward to what the future holds and with Gods outstretched hand I know I will finish the race that is set before me.