SHARLENE JOSEPH, Miss Siparia 2006, says she’s living proof that a child could succeed even in the absence of his or her parents.

And she wants it known since she thinks too many young people, who have found themselves in the similar position while growing up as she has, have chosen the wrong road.

“It’s the message I intend to spread during my reign as Miss Siparia,” stated the recently-crowned beauty queen.

“My parents migrated, I grew up with grandparents and while there were challenges along the way, I never lost my focus, I kept my eyes on my goal and so it has worked so far.”

The 21-year-old Lowkie Trace, Penal beauty, a graduate of Iere High School, Siparia, has her eyes set on a career in psychology and hopes to enter the University of the West Indies in the near future. But before the pace gets too hectic with academics, Joseph took the opportunity to pursue another of her passions ... entering beauty pageants.

Beaming a lovely smile
is Miss Siparia,
SHARLENE JOSEPH.

Miss Siparia was her first taste of competition.

“I always wanted to enter a beauty pageant and Miss Siparia was just a stepping stone for probably a bigger pageant like Miss Trinidad and Tobago.

“People will be hearing and seeing a lot more of me,” she promised.

Joseph copped the coveted title from a field of eight other delegates and also walked away with the title of Miss Physique.