Miss SVG 2007 - Melissa A. Yorke

Biography

Born on October 16 th 1983, to Gordon and Cathy St. Hilaire-Yorke, I was christened Melissa Alva Yorke. I grew up in a large extended family, and was heavily influenced by the women in my family.   These women taught me the importance of being a well-rounded individual, which meant getting a sound education and being involved in community activities.

My educational career began at the Kingstown Anglican School, where I was a member of the school's Brownie Pack. After successfully completing the Common Entrance Examinations I went on to the Intermediate High School (IHS). It was there that I developed a passion for the arts. I became a member of IHS's drama group and choir. My involvement with these organizations allowed me to express myself, develop my self-confidence and afforded me the opportunity to learn how to focus while developing my multitasking skills. Not only was I involved with the arts but I was also a class Prefect, Vice-President of the IHS's Young Leaders Group and I was represented IHS at several debating and essay writing competitions. It was at this time as well that I became involved with dance.

During my final year at IHS, I entered Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines Talented Teen and was victorious, winning all the categories. Following this pageant I represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the regional pageant, Miss Caribbean Talented Teen, in St. Kitts.

After my graduation from IHS I migrated to New York to live with my mother. While in New York, I attended the George W. Wingate High School, where I graduated with honors and went on to the State University of New York at Plattsburgh to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. At Plattsburgh my love for dance intensified and again I was involved in various organizations. A group of my friends and I formed a dance group called Jedi Dance Productions and I became the President of and choreographer for this group. I was also one of the campus' Resident Assistants, a Student Association Senator, as well as a board member of several organizations on campus while maintaining a 3.0 Grade Point Average. During my junior year at Plattsburgh State I entered the Miss P.S.U Caribbean Pageant where I was adjudged 1 st Runner-up and I also won the Ambassadorial Speech category.

It has always been my dream to become Ms. St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I therefore made the decision to begin training for the pageant before putting in my application. When I was accepted to take part in Miss SVG 2007 I decided, after talking it over with my mother, to take time off from university so that I could focus on the pageant. I was therefore elated when on June 2 nd I realized my dream and was crowned Miss SVG 2007, winning the Evening Gown and Interview segments and proving that my decision to take time off from school was in fact the right one.   It is now my honor to be an ambassador for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to represent my country at the prestigious Miss Carival pageant.

My experiences and the hard work that I have put into Miss SVG 2007 will, I hope, stand me well as I face the challenges I am sure I will meet preparing for Miss Carival 2007. I am no stranger to hard work and I will do all that I can to ensure that I do St. Vincent and the Grenadines proud on the night of July 6 th . I look forward to hosting my Caribbean sisters when they arrive here for Miss Carival; I cannot wait to show them our beautiful islands.

I stand strong by the example that have been set by the people in my life, especially those of my mother who has sacrificed a lot to afford me the opportunities which I have had. I am extremely grateful and proud to have friends and family who love and support me and keep me grounded. I firmly believe that without hard work there can be no success, and I am driven by the belief that with God I can achieve everything I put my mind to.

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