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Miss Jamaica World 1997, Michelle Moodie, has been one of the most active of the Miss Jamaica World titleholders since the inception of the prestigious beauty contest 21 years ago. She has been an outstanding exemplar of the mission statement of the Miss World organizer “Beauty with a purpose” during her reign.
This 24-year old Aquarian beauty is a woman of the nineties who is committed to making a contribution to her country. In fulfilling her commitment, Michelle has worked with a number of charity and community-oriented projects during the year, making this her priority rather than the fashion shows and float parades associated with the traditional queen image.
Some of her outstanding achievements during the year include acting as spokesperson for the Association of Women’s Organizations in Jamaica (AWOJA). This involved an island-wide tour of schools where, in association with personnel from AWOJA, she conducted workshops aimed at sensitizing students (both male and female) on the issue of domestic violence. Michelle used the opportunity to gain commitments from students to makes a positive difference in dealing with situations that lead to violence. These tours were so successful that Michelle was later invited by the Mechala Group in association with AWOJA to make a similar tour of inner city schools.
Another brainchild of Michelle was “Operation Spring Clean” which was a major drive to raise funds to purchase books, clothing, toys and appliances for selected Children’s Homes and the St. Thomas Infirmary. “Operation Spring Clean” was conceived by Michelle as a result of her visit to several Children’s Homes in Kingston and St. Thomas which led her to adopt the Musgrave Girls Home in the Glenhope Place of Safety and the St. Thomas Infirmary. This project was also a success, with Michelle’s friends, Spartan Health Club members and former Miss Jamaica title holders, rallying to support her.
During the year, Michelle also lent her support to the fight against AIDS and worked with the Jamaica AIDS Support (JAS) in this campaign. Highlights of this project were her visit to Aids patients at the Jamaica AIDS Support Hospice, and her participation in the sale of candles made by patients with AIDS.
Michelle also took her role as Jamaica’s Ambassador seriously. In association with the Jamaica Tourist Board, she did promotional work for Jamaica in Los Angeles, Miami, Cleveland, New York and Cheju Island in South Korea. Memorable moments include taking part in the launching of the Reggae Boyz giant football at Bryant Park in New York City, and competing in the Miss Island Festival Pageant in South Korea.
On the fun side, Michelle enjoyed tremendously her role as Grand Marshall for the Santa Parade which formed part of “The Magic of Christmas Downtown” which was intended to encourage Christmas shopping downtown. As Grand Marshall, she dressed in national costume and was leader of the Christmas Parade. She also engaged in various modeling assignments and special appearances as part of her role as “Miss Jamaica World 1997.”
Recalling her once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Miss World Pageant in the Seychelles Islands, Michelle said, “An absolutely fabulous, never to be repeated experience!” She also expressed pride in being voted one of the five “Continental Queens of Beauty”, receiving the title for the Caribbean.
And what of Michelle’s future plans after she relinquishes the crown and title tonight? She intends to continue her studies in language and literature at the University of the West Indies as well as her modeling career. Ultimately, she would like to work in the travel and leisure industry, and her dream is to eventually own and operate her own health spa preferably in the cool Blue Mountain in Jamaica. We wish her success in her future plans.
Michelle - Spartan Health Club, your sponsors and Jamaica - congratulate you “Miss World Continental Queen of Beauty” on your impressive contribution to the Jamaican society and promotion of Jamaica as a tourist destination during your reign. You truly made a difference.
Source: 1998 Miss Jamaica World Souvenir Magazine
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