Sher’Niah Freeman Takes the Crown at 70th St. John Celebration Queen Pageant

Freeman captivated with a vibrant tribute to Celia Cruz, featuring Afro-Cuban dances and a dramatic reenactment of Afro-Cuban history; Squiabro impressed with her elaborate Guatemalan-themed performance

The 70th St. John Celebration Queen pageant show kicked off with a spirit of keen competition on Saturday night as two contestants, J’Naiya Squiabro and Sher’Niah Freeman, took the stage in identical silver dresses adorned with fringe.

Squiabro, an enlistee in the United States Army and recent graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, introduced herself as “the chosen one.” Freeman, a sophomore at the University of the Virgin Islands, followed, declaring she possessed “the undeniable essence of a queen.” Their presentation speeches, worth up to 25 points, set the tone for an evening filled with poise, talent, and anticipation.

The second segment was swimwear, in which the contestants could score up to 50 points for poise, modeling technique, fit, and stage presence. Ms. Squiabro’s “Platinum Jubilee” was a white monokini in a sequined fabric, accented with gems placed to highlight her figure. Ms. Freeman opted for a blush-colored maillot in what appeared to be a crushed velvet fabric, designed with a mesh cutout and a spray of deeper pink gems at the waist.