Upon her return from what she terms "an amazing experience," competing in the Miss America Pageant, 2007 Miss Virgin Islands Janeisha John has resumed her studies at the University of the Virgin Islands.

John, who is earning a Business Administration degree on UVI's St. Croix campus, says it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience participating in the 2008 Miss America Pageant, which was broadcast live on January 26 from Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood.

"I would have liked to place in the top 15 or even win, but I think what meant more to me was the fact that people actually remembered who I was and where I came from," John said recently. "Being on the Miss America stage was so surreal. So many prestigious persons involved in the pageantry told me how intrigued people were of me and my personality. Not to mention that I now know 51of America's most talented and beautiful women."

The Miss Virgin Islands Organization, Inc. is currently recruiting contestants for 2008. The 2008 Miss Virgin Islands will compete in the 2009 Miss America Pageant. The 2008 Miss Virgin Islands Pageant will mark the event's fifth year and will be held at the Reichhold Center for the Arts on June 21.

Executive Director of Miss Virgin Islands is Cynthia Jerry. "She showed me how much can be gained by competing for Miss Virgin Islands," John said. "You have the opportunity to gain scholarship money, push forth a platform, and not to mention representing the Virgin Islands in the Miss America Pageant."

John's platform is Domestic Violence Awareness. She says she hopes that through her position as Miss Virgin Islands she can have a positive effect on the territory's crime, tourism and building the confidence of young Virgin Islands women. She hopes that after her reign is over she can continue to help the Virgin Islands community and be a role model.

"“We were all very proud of Janeisha at the 2008 Miss America Pageant,” said Jerry, who traveled to Las Vegas for the show. "It was a wonderful and exhilarating experience. Her poise and grace are noted wherever she goes as our state representative." Following the 2008 Miss America Pageant, John's talent and personality were recognized by 2004 Miss America Erica Dunlap, Jerry said, adding that many prestigious persons involved with the Miss America Pageant recognized John as one of the best dancers and commented on her unique costume.

The 2008 Miss Virgin Islands will receive the J. Epstein V.I. Foundation Scholarship, one year full tuition, room/board at UVI, and the Miss America Pageant Scholarship. For more information contact Cynthia Jerry at 777-8883 or email cynthiajerry@yahoo.com.