Organizers of the Miss San Pedro Pageant have released the names of the six contestants that will grace the stage as they vie to become the island’s next beauty ambassador. They are Michelle Estrella Nuñez, Doris Celine Soriano, Maria Elma Gonzalez, Daphney Therese Panti, Ileny Linel Aguilar and Janelli Felicta Ack. The pageant has been set for August 30th and will be the first event to kick off the September celebrations.
Michelle Nuñezis 23 years old and a customer service representative at the San Pedro Branch of the Insurance Cooperation of Belize. “I have worked really hard in order to participate in this pageant. I want to become the next Miss San Pedro so that I can use the platform to raise awareness against the abuse of drugs and bullying on Ambergris Caye,” said Nuñez. She enjoys cooking and exercise in her leisure time, as well as meeting new people and traveling. Michelle is sponsored by Ramon’s Village Resort.
Doris Soriano is a 17-year-old studying social work at the University of Belize. She enjoys dancing, swimming and helping others in her spare time. “I really want to make my family and island proud, and it would be an honor to serve as Miss San Pedro. I want to play an active role in the future development of this island,” said Soriano, who is sponsored by Diamante Belize.
Also a participant is 18 year old Maria Elma Gonzalez, a sales clerk on Ambergris Caye. “I want to be a role model and an example to our young population. I want to work with other organizations in the area of drug and alcohol abuse, especially amongst young people. Miss San Pedro will allow me to become that role model,” explained Gonzalez. From a young age, Gonzalez has had a passion for swimming and taking her daily walks on the beach. She is sponsored by Castillo’s Hardware Store.
17-year-old Daphney Therese Panti is a cashier on Ambergris Caye, and she is excited to participate in the 2014 pageant. “I love to be involved in positive activities on the island. If I should become the next Miss San Pedro I would use that position to encourage more young people to get involved in the positive, healthy and fun aspects of the island,” said Panti. Sponsored by Fido’s Courtyard Restaurant and Bar, Panti enjoys music, dancing and sports.
18-year-old Ileny Linel Aguilar is currently employed as a graphic designer, but hopes to continue her studies and become a forensic specialist. “I love pageantry because it helps inspire and empower females, making them more confident. If I should become the next Miss San Pedro, I want to transmit that confidence and inspire other females in our community,” shared Aguilar. Sponsored by Captain Shark’s, Aguilar enjoys exercising and swimming in the tropical waters of Belize.
The sixth and final participant is Janelli Felicita Ack, a 19-year-old sales person and part time student at the University of Belize. “As an aspiring model currently attached to an agency in Belize, I feel that Miss San Pedro Pageant will help me build on my confidence and experience. But I also want to get more young people involved in our community and being the next Miss San Pedro would provide me with that platform,” said Ack. She also enjoys swimming and beach walks on the island. Ack is sponsored by Jaguars Temple Night Club.
The pageant is scheduled for 7:30PM on Saturday August 30th at the Honorable Luis “Cuz” Silvestre Sporting Complex. Doors will be open as of 6PM and seating must be done by 7PM. Reserve tickets are $25, general admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children.
