With a platform of ‘Embracing all forms of Artistry’, 17-year-old student of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) J’Nae A. Demming is raring to put on a performance at Miss Teen Universe in Spain that the Virgin Islands would be proud of. Photo: Provided

J’Nae’s current positive attitude towards pageantry is in stark contrast to her initial thoughts about it, as she was never interested in it. Photo: Provided

The teenager emphasised her appreciation for the tremendous support she has been receiving ahead of her travel to Spain. Photo: Provided

‘I am going to go out there & have fun’- J’Nae A. Demming

J’Nae departs the territory on Monday, February 20, 2023 for Madrid, Spain where the Grand Finale of Miss Teen Universe 2023 will be held on February 28.

“I am very excited because I know I am going to go out there and have fun and represent the BVI very well. I probably might get a little nervous when I get on the plane but, at this point, I am very anxious and really appreciative of the support I am getting thus far,” J’Nae told Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview.

The confident and well-spoken 12^th Grader said her preparations have been going very well and expressed much appreciate to her Chaperone Miss Erica Creque, who she said he been helping her her walking and etiquette classes, among other things, “and I am really excited. This experience of me getting ready for the show has just excited me.”

‘I was never really interested’ in pageantry

J’Nae’s current positive attitude towards pageantry is in stark contrast to her initial thoughts about it, as she was never interested in it.

“Pageantry is something I was never really interested in. I do love performing, I love performing arts, I do love the stage and in the future I want to become an actress or a model. But I never thought of pageantry as something I would do, but when I went into it I really fell in love with it and everything that it has to offer.”

She said it was on the persistence of her teacher Sylvanna A. Charles, who is the reigning Miss Plus World, along with her friends, that she entered the Miss Teen BVI pageant.

She said since then the experience has been nothing short of amazing and educational.

“I have met so many people, experienced a lot of things. I have learned a lot since entering pageantry, not only about pageantry itself but a lot about myself. This whole journey has been very educational,” J’Nae stated.

She also credited her mother, Junie Demming, for her encouragement and unwavering support.

Overwhelming support

The teenager emphasised her appreciation for the tremendous support she has been receiving ahead of her travel to Spain.

“Being that I will be the first teen BVIslander to represent here on the international stage or scale, it has really been [eye] opening to see how much support I have from my family, my friends from the BVI in general, to people who know me to people who do not know me on a personal level, the support is so real and I am so thankful for everyone who has been following my journey, everyone who has been paying attention, giving me encouraging words. I am going to go up there and make you all proud,” J’Nae declared.

Among the entities who have thrown their support being the ambitious and confident teenager are Caribbean Insurance, Frozen Imports, Speedy’s, One Mart, Skelton Development Limited, K’Mart Foods, Juicy J The G. Spot, Beverly Pierre, Demming Family, Latitute 18, Rupert Vanterpool, Miss Teen BVI Committee, TravelWize, Medicure Limited, BVI Tourist Board and the Government of the Virgin Islands.