Sacha Walters, Staff ReporterFive thousand, three hundred dollars was the cash prize for the Jamaica Festival Queen when she won, and that money came in handy when she needed it most.
The year was 1986, and the queen, Jacqueline Ann-Marie Stultz.
Miss Stultz entered while going through a hard time in her life. She dropped out of teachers' college, after studying for three years, to help her family financially and subsequently left that job because of sexual discrimination.
"There was nothing to do and this opportunity opened up. I really entered it to win," Miss Stultz said.
The 20-year-old secretary didn't get the overwhelming support of the audience with her original skit, but her interview segment went well. She went against pageant norm by winning most congenial, best personality and going on to win the title.
But the money wasn't the only the benefit for Miss Stultz.
Country and culture
"I learnt more about my country and culture, not just St. Thomas," she said, adding she learnt about proper etiquette, walking, and how to communicate effectively. She also met the Prime Minister and the Governor-General.
After winning the competition, she said it opened doors into modelling, public speaking and she even MC'd and judged the St. Thomas pageant.
One of her non-cash prizes was a trip to St. Croix.
"That was my first time travelling," she said, and it was a great experience between the nervousness and excitement.
Today, Miss Stultz manages the Gastrointestinal Associates Ltd. at the Medical Associates Hospital. She is divorced and has been a Christian for the last three years.
She is actively involved in her church, Fellowship Tabernacle, and hopes to get more involved in the ministry. While at times she feels like the underachiever among the past queens, she has to acknowledge the advantages she has gained from the competition, and believes it's still relevant today as intelligent girls from rural areas can get exposure and opportunities.
"Sometimes I wish I could enter again," she said with a laugh.
