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Miss DC International - Amanda Lewis (l), and Ms Teen DC International, Julianna McKee
(r).
May 10, 2009 - WASHINGTON – The International Pageant System crowned their 2009 D.C. queens
this Mother's Day weekend.
The winners are Miss D.C. International Amanda Lewis, and Miss Teen D.C. International, Juliana McKee. Lewis and McKee were both crowned at George
Washington University’s Marvin Center replacing 2008 queens, Titi Williams Davies
and teen, Ashley Fleming.
"I feel humbled by the opportunity of being Miss D.C. International. I
am really excited for everything and can't wait to get out in the community to promote character education," said Lewis, a
classically trained vocalist who received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Classical Voice and Voice Performance,
respectively, from Howard University.
A Baltimore native, she’s studied abroad in Italy at the Accademia D’ell Arte.
Lewis is an avid supporter of character education and will spend her reign advocating for its inclusion in general education
curriculums throughout the area.
McKee, a high school senior, attends Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in
Olney, Md. McKee is the spokesperson for Erick’s Hope, a nonprofit organization founded by family members
in memory of her cousin, Erick, who passed away last summer. The organization providess emotional, physical and educational
support through a variety of food service programs.
McKee is passionate about ensuring her cousin’s legacy of service is carried on by helping
children in need. Her work has raised more than $10,000 and 350 pounds of food for needy families in the area.
She will attend the University of Maryland at College Park this fall and plans to major in business management and pre law.
Contestants were judged on their performance in a private interview (40%) and aerobic wear (20%),
fashion runway (20%) and eveningwear (20%) scenes. Additional prizes were handed out for Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic,
People’s Choice and Excellence in Education. There is no talent or swimsuit competition.
"I am so proud of Titi and Ashley, our 2008 queens. They are phenomenal women and I expect them to achieve
each and every one of their life dreams,” said Rita K. Sinha, Executive Director of the Miss D.C. International Pageant
System. “Amanda and Juliana are jewels. I am looking forward to working with and getting to know them and their
families. It will be a great year!"
Through out the year, Lewis and McKee will make various appearances in the
local metropolitan area, standing as the face of the pageant, highlighting public service and bringing attention to
their platforms. Both winners will compete in the National Miss International Pageant this July in Chicago.
The Miss International System has established itself as an organization with integrity, high
ethical standards and consistent applications of its rules and regulations.
By providing women young women everywhere the opportunity to compete, they maintain the
highest moral values on a fair and uniform basis. ( Source)
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