Twenty-year-old Aqualia Rupan on Sunday evening outshone five other contestants vying for the title of Miss Mash Queen 2017, when the pageant was hosted at the National Cultural Centre, in Georgetown.
This was the first attempt at pageantry for the newly crowned queen, who is a Client Service Clerk at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital. Although the North East La Penitence beauty did not offer the best answer to her question, she was the judges,’ as well as the crowd’s favourite, from the moment she stepped on stage.
Newly crowned Mash Queen 2017 Aqualia Rupan is flanked by first runner-up Gabrielle Chapman and second runner-up Younette Stephanie
She scored high in the various segments and for the first year, after a 10-year hiatus, the queen was crowned by accumulative scores and not based on the final question. The delegates would have competed in introduction, talent, swimwear and evening wear. Rupan was also rewarded with prizes for best introduction, best talent and best personality.
Overcome with joy and fighting back tears, the newly crowned queen explained that she was elated to have won the crown. She also said all the delegates walked away as queens since they were prepared by the Simpli Royal family, led by Pamela Dillon.
“I am no longer a shy girl and I am sure all the other delegates have taken away something to apply to their general lives moving forward from our training,” she added.
She advised those who wish to participate in pageantry to be beauty ambassadors which will afford them the opportunity to be anything they wish, while noting that they must also work hard.
Gabrielle Chapman was crowned first runner-up and Younette Stephanie was bestowed with the second runner-up title.
