JOBC Crowns Queen and Princesses for the Festival

Posted on Friday, November 13, 2009 - 11:36 AM EST

Their eyes were glimmering when the judges called out theirs names. Three girls were chosen to be the Queen and Princesses of the Junior Orange Bowl Festival, and together, they are known as the Royal Court. Marilyn Rodriguez, 14, is the Queen, and Madison Nasser, 13 and Kamelah Jones, 13, are the princesses. The Royal Court will represent the Junior Orange Bowl Committee (JOBC) as ambassadors of goodwill and their first task was going to the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital on Veterans Day.  

"This 59-year-old tradition is much more than a beauty pageant," said Enid Miguez, chair of the JOBC Royal Court. 

The girls were selected based on personality, academics, community service, and poise. Queen Marilyn, for example, from South Dade High School, is a member of her church's youth group where they obtain donations of books and money for the kids with the Children's Miracle Network.  In addition, she is also a member of her school's Key Club where they write letters to the Veterans.  She is also a member of UNICEF where she obtains donations of food, clothing and monies for the children in Africa. 

"As you can see from her involvement in the community, Marilyn is the perfect candidate for this award and I am very proud of her level of commitment to the community," said Miguez. 

The event took place at the Miami Elks Lodge # 948, and over 20 girls were present. Queen Marilyn was also the winner of the "Give-a-Hand" essay, where the girls had to write an essay about community service commitment. Princess Madison is a student of Devon Aire K-8 Center, and she is in the National Junior Honor Society. Princess Kamelah, is a student of Herbert Ammons Middle School, and she has also participated in different community activities such as the United Way Marathon, and the American Heart Association Walkathon.  

The contestants had to pass a preliminary selection in order to participate in the final. Community involvement is one of the most important traits that the judges look for. The JOBC hopes to encourage the girls to be future leaders in the community and open the doors to a brighter future. The Queen and Princesses of the 2009-2010 Junior Orange Bowl Festival are expected to reign over all the events, especially the 61st Junior Orange Bowl Parade on January 2, 2010. During the festival, the Royal Court will participate in many award ceremonies for the children who succeed the various JOBC events.

A number of children who participate in the Junior Orange Bowl festival discover a large passion for the arts and sports and continue their pursuit becoming extremely successful. Anastagia Pierre was the 2009 Miss Florida USA, and she was the Junior Orange Bowl Queen in 2001. 

 The Junior Orange Bowl Festival is possible with the support of the City of Coral Gables, Miami Children's Hospital, The Orange Bowl Committee, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and Board of County Commissioners. The JOBC, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves the community of South Florida and the Youth of the world by providing opportunities for wholesome, competitive and multi-cultural experiences. For more information, please call 305.662.1210.