MORGAN EVANS
Age: 27
Platform:
My platform’s focus is suicide prevention and awareness. On average one person commits suicide every 16 minutes. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. I’m currently a volunteer with the North Carolina chapter.
​
What is your favorite "U.S Virgin Islands" memory?
I have so many memories from St. Croix, from watching sunrises at Point Udall to the Crucian Christmas Festival. But my favorite would have to be waking up, putting on my swimsuit and enjoying the beautiful view at Rainbow beach.
​
What is your favorite ASPECT OF U.S VIRGIN ISLANDS CULTURE?
Everything! From the many festivals, to the National historic landmarks and historic buildings. When you talk to the Virgin Islanders you can see the love and pride they have for our islands!
What does it mean to you to be "confidently beautiful"?
To me it means a women is unapologetically herself. She knows herself and her worth! She knows her flaws and embrace them instead of hiding them. She doesn’t need validation from anyone and isn’t afraid to reach her goals.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
I would have dinner with my uncle Chris, who passed away six years ago. He was like a brother to me and I miss talking to him and getting his funny point of view of the world!
​
​
Why do you want to be Miss Universe U.S Virgin Islands?
I want to show little girls, young women and everyone in my territory that it doesn’t matter what your circumstances are; if you want something don’t ever let anyone or anything stop you from being happy or accomplishing your goals. It would be amazing to become the first Miss Universe from the U.S. Virgin Islands. It will show the world that we are a strong people, not because we survived two category five hurricanes but because our history has ALWAYS proven that we are resilient.
​
​
TELL US ABOUT AN IMPORTANT PROJECT YOU'VE WORKED ON RECENTLY. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU? WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT? WHO DID IT HELP?
With the help of the American Foundation for Suicide (AFSP) prevention I was able to become an Suicide Prevention Educator. By being an AFP suicide prevention educator I’m able to go out and local schools, business and community groups and present two of the most requested suicide prevention courses. More Than Sad is a program that teaches teens, parents and teachers to recognize signs of depression and other mental health issue and also the different ways to get help. Talk Saves Lives is the second course it’s a “Understanding & Preventing Suicide 101” beginners class. Having been personally affected by a suicide in my family this organization has helped my family and I understand suicide and get through a very difficult time. For that, I’m forever grateful for this organization. By holding these prevention courses I hope to reach at least one person or family in need of help struggling with their mental health.