University of the Virgin Islands Senior Che-Raina Warner, Miss UVI 2016-2016, was named Miss National Black College Alumni Association Hall of Fame, Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia.
Warner, a senior communication major originally from St. Kitts, aspires to become a news anchor/reporter.
"Once again, UVI has demonstrated that it is not just producing academically capable students. We are well-rounded individuals as well," Warner said at a ceremony welcoming her home Monday at St. Thomas’ Cyril E. King Airport.
Warner won the High Hats and Heels Competition at the NBCA Hall of Fame pageant and made it to the top five before being crowned queen, according to UVI. Warner is the second UVI queen to bring the crown home in three years. Miss UVI Elisa Thomas made history when she won the title of Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2014.
"Not everything went exactly according to plan. When we arrived in Atlanta, we discovered some challenges that we felt were impossible to overcome. … We overcame those challenges, and the competition as well," Warner said.
"Pageantry is not just about beauty. It has great ambassadorial capabilities that will benefit the university at large," she added
Warner is the second UVI queen to bring the crown home in three years. She competed among 73 other contestants from other historically black colleges and universities.
Miss UVI Elisha Thomas won the title of Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2014.