Port Maria, St. Mary – 21 year old, primary school teacher, Monique Samantha Clarke walked away as Miss St. Mary Festival Queen 2010 at a parish coronation show organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in Port Maria on Saturday (May 1). A past student of the College of Agricultural Science and Education (CASE), Clarke emerged ahead of a field of seven contestants to take the titles of “Most Congenial” and “Best Performer” before being named as queen. In the interview section, Clarke told audience that if she was named queen, she intended to assist the JCDC in furthering its mandate of cultural preservation and lauded the organization for its contribution to the parish of St. Mary.An elated Clarke says that she is determined to take the national crown to St. Mary and over the next three months will be focusing on her community project and getting ready for the national show.Second place went to 23 year old writer and producer, Susanie Reid who was also named the “Most Culturally Aware” while 2nd runner-up was taken by registered nurse Kerese Patterson. In addition to the opportunity to represent the parish of St. Mary, Clarke also walked away with $25,000 cash, a Claro cellular phone and a 21 inch flat screen television courtesy of Singer Jamaica Limited among other gifts.Clarke will represent St. Mary at the national coronation show scheduled for July 17 at the National Indoor Centre in Kingston.
