Fresh from her Miss Hanover Festival Queen win, Tracey-Ann Lewis is aiming to make history as the first representative from the parish to win the national Miss Jamaica Festival Queen title. For the 27-year-old teacher and laboratory analyst, the victory marks a milestone in a journey shaped by perseverance, service, and a passion for education.The first university graduate in her immediate family, Lewis credits education with transforming the course of her life. Today, she is committed to helping other young people access the same opportunities through learning, mentorship, and service. That commitment has now found a new platform. With a parish crown in hand and a national title within reach, she hopes to use the Festival Queen programme to champion literacy, mentorship and youth empowerment while carrying Hanover's hopes into the national competition.Lewis earned that opportunity last Saturday when she emerged as the winner of a closely contested competition held at Rusea's High School in Lucea. Sponsored by Top Shipping, she triumphed over five other contestants to claim the title and the sectional award for Most Poised.For Lewis, the crown offers a chance to tackle an issue she encounters every day as an educator — declining reading and comprehension levels among young people."A lot of our students are unable to comprehend. They can call the words, but they do not understand," she said, explaining her decision to focus her Festival Queen project on literacy, mentorship, and cultural appreciation.A former Jamaica Library Service Reading champion for Hanover, Lewis has long been passionate about literacy and youth development. Concerned by declining reading and comprehension levels among young people, she hopes to promote reading and mentorship through initiatives designed to help students build confidence, leadership skills and a stronger connection to their Jamaican identity.If successful, Lewis will become Hanover's first representative to capture the national title. For her, the national crown is not simply a title to be won, but a platform to amplify the causes she cares most about and bring greater visibility to the people and communities of Hanover."Hanover has long been described as a 'hidden gem’, but my goal is to ensure that it is no longer hidden. As National Festival Queen, I would use my voice and visibility to highlight both the needs and the possibilities that exist within Hanover. I would seek to build partnerships with corporate Jamaica, community organisations, and government stakeholders, to bring attention to critical issues such as inclusive education, youth development, literacy, and community empowerment," said Lewis.Second place went to 18-year-old student Destinya Locke, sponsored by Energy Pool & Spa Services, who also won the sectional awards for Most Culturally Aware and Most Popular on Social Media.Third place went to Tifelia Thompson (Miss Superstar Youth Club), who was adjudged best performer and most congenial.The prize for Most Active in Community was awarded to Nolecia Guthrie, sponsored by Cousins Cove Adventure Park Limited.Hanover’s winner will join delegates from the other parishes to vie for the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen title at the national coronation on August 1.entertainment@gleanerjm.com