The University of the Virgin Islands will shine a spotlight on student leadership, service, and personal growth during its annual Mister and Miss UVI Ambassadorial Competition, scheduled for Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the LaVerne E. Ragster Administration and Conference Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.
This year’s theme, “A Royal Wonderland: A Journey of Excellence, Elegance, and Enchantment,” will serve as the backdrop for three student leaders competing for the prestigious titles of 2nd Mister UVI and 45th Miss UVI. Hosted by the UVI Student Government Association’s Joint Ambassadorial Committee, the competition celebrates students for their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to community involvement.
“This competition is more than a pageant—it’s a platform where student leaders amplify their voices and represent UVI with pride,” said Cylysce Smith, Chairperson of the Ambassadorial Committee. “It’s an opportunity to spotlight student talent and inspire advocacy rooted in purpose.”
Contestants this year include two Miss UVI hopefuls and one candidate for Mister UVI, each representing a unique platform aimed at empowering others and improving lives on and off campus.
Asha A.S. Hyndman, 21, will take the stage as contestant number one. A junior majoring in biology, Hyndman champions eye care education and accessibility through her platform, “Looking Good: Eye Care Education for All.” Her message is rooted in the belief that adversity can be a catalyst for growth. “UVI has cultivated my growth as an ambassador,” she said. “This competition allows me to advocate for vision care and inspire others to overcome adversity—just like the rare flower that blooms in difficult conditions.” Her guiding motto comes from Mulan: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”
Jahnique M. Francis, 20, is a senior biology major with a minor in psychology. Taking the stage as contestant number two, Francis is a certified mental health first aider and an advocate for emotional well-being. Her platform, H.O.P.E — Healing, Outreach, Prevention, and Education, emphasizes early mental health intervention and destigmatization. “Miss UVI is more than a crown; it is a call to serve, inspire, and uplift,” said Francis. “Through H.O.P.E, I turn personal pain into purpose.” She cites The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz as a source of her inspiration.
Rayhan Sabur, 19, is a sophomore studying applied mathematics and the only contender for the Mister UVI title. His platform, Mental Health Output through Physical Activity, explores how physical exercise can be used to support emotional wellness. “Physical activity changed my life, and I want to inspire others to explore it as a tool for mental wellness,” Sabur said. “This journey is about resilience, representation, and encouraging strength through self-care.”
Winners of the Ambassadorial Competition will serve as the university’s official student representatives throughout the academic year. Their responsibilities include participating in student recruitment activities, representing UVI at campus events, and engaging with communities across the Virgin Islands and beyond. They will also compete in the Mister and Miss HBCU competition, scheduled for January 2026.
“The Mister and Miss UVI titles are not just symbolic,” said Dr. Leslyn Tonge, UVI Dean of Students. “These roles reflect UVI’s values of excellence, leadership, and service.”
Tickets for the event will be available for purchase at various campus locations. On the Orville E. Kean Campus, tickets can be bought at the Student Activities Office, UVI Bookstore, and the Student Housing Office. On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, tickets will be available at the Student Center and St. Croix Bookstore.
-
UVI Students (with valid ID): $15
-
Faculty and Staff: $20
-
General Admission: $30
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Official sale dates will be announced soon.
British Caribbean News