by Khaila Gentle
BELIZE CITY, Sat. Aug. 20, 2022
On Saturday, at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts, 19- year-old Mazlin Hanson won the title of Queen of the Bay 2022 Designate. Hanson, who represented the Stann Creek District, will be officially crowned as this year’s Queen of the Bay during next month’s Tenth of September Celebrations, when reigning queen Druewel Jones will pass on the crown, robe, and scepter.
The 77th Annual Queen of the Bay Pageant saw six contestants from across the country vying for the crown: Theyana Olivera, Miss Toledo; Elisha Martinez, Miss San Ignacio/Santa Elena; Ariane Novelo, Miss Belmopan; Kelsey Zetina, Miss Corozal; Rushelle Babb, Miss Belize; and Hanson, Miss Stann Creek.
Rushelle Babb of the Belize District was first runner-up, while Elisha Martinez was second runner up. Judges for this year’s competition were Dr. Sharmayne Saunders, Mrs. Shanna Ciego, Mrs. Patricia Grief, Dr. Dwayne Usher and former Belizean beauty queen, Sarita Morales.
The young women were judged on their eloquence, their walk, their talents, and of course, their curtsy. Mazlin Hanson also won the titles of Most Elegantly Dressed, Miss Eloquence, Most Talented, and Best Curtsy. In addition to being this year’s Queen of the Bay, Hanson is also a member of Belize’s 2022 Children’s Parliament.