Miss Hanover Festival Queen 2024 Crowned

In a dazzling display of talent and grace, twenty-five-year-old educator Sornia Samuels, was crowned the Miss Hanover Festival Queen 2024 on Saturday (June 1) during a coronation show held at the Rusea’s High School in Lucea.

Representing JDA Shipping and Construction, Ms. Samuels was also awarded the sectional prizes for Most Active in the Community, Most Culturally Aware, and Best Performer.

In addition, she received a cash prize of $150,000, a weekend for two at Princess Grand Jamaica, dinner for two at Pier One, and various other gift packages. As the parish queen, she will compete for the national title in August.

Twenty-one-year-old, Briana Johnson, sponsored by Deveena’s Final Touch and Beauty Palace and 22-year-old Natalia Evans, who was sponsored by the Deputy Mayor of Lucea, were first and second runners up respectively.

Ms. Johnson also won the section prize for Most Poised.

Reflecting on her victory, Ms. Samuels, who is a teacher at the Orange Bay Preparatory School, said she initially felt nervous, but then felt confident after her talent performance.

“I was like, ‘you want to do this for a reason. You have a purpose here. Let us go out and get this done’ and I did just that,” Ms. Samuels stated.

She pointed out that her wish is to inspire others, especially those who are plus-sized, noting that both women and men can achieve anything if they set their minds to it.

“So, this is most definitely a win in that regard,” Ms. Samuels said.

For her part, Parish Manager for Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Hanover, Shiyan Williams, indicated that she was not surprised by the top three winners, who excelled and demonstrated what they had learned.

She encouraged the winner to keep up the good work, while expressing confidence that continuous preparation could lead to success at the national coronation in Kingston.

“We are taking the crown down to Hanover this year,” Ms. Williams stated.