‘It has made me realise all the more how special Bermuda is’
Budding model Katie Arnfield described herself as being “reserved” and “pretty shy” before taking part in last year’s Miss Bermuda pageant.
But after taking home the coveted crown on June 23, 2013, the 17-year-old’s life was transformed.
A day after winning the pageant, the new Miss Bermuda said it was surreal to return to her classes at Saltus Grammar School as normal.
But weeks later the pace of life started to speed up. After being fitted for a new wardrobe by pageant sponsors like AS Coopers, the teenager was thrust onto the international stage during the Miss World pageant in Indonesia. Ms Arnfield said it was an awesome learning experience, which forced her to come out of her shell and develop more confidence.
“It taught me that I thrive off of challenge,” she told The Royal Gazette. “I like to be active and function best when I am busy and motivated.
“I also learned that I have the strength to be poised and confident in stressful situations. That I can overcome almost any obstacle if I put my mind to it.”
The recent high school graduate will be stepping down as Miss Bermuda on Sunday, as eight new contestants compete for the opportunity of a lifetime.
She said she was sad about handing over her title, but admitted she was “privileged” to have had such an amazing year and would always treasure it.
“Bermuda and its people have been very supportive and encouraging throughout my reign and have given me such a positive experience,” she said.
“It’s nice to be able to give something back after all it has done for me. It has made me realise all the more how special Bermuda is.”
Going forward, Ms Arnfield plans to study business at the university level and is hoping for a career in the Island’s international business sector.
But before embarking on this new chapter, she gave her successor a few words of advice: “Enjoy every moment and try to take advantage of every opportunity offered. I would also tell them to make the most of all they experience and to never take it for granted.”
Miss Bermuda Katherine Arnfield’s top five moments from the past year:
1. Winning the title last June. The recent high school graduate said she felt “so proud” and overjoyed to be named Miss Bermuda because it meant that all the hard work in the pageant process had paid off.
2. Miss World Competition. She described it as an “incredible challenge”.
Not only was it exciting to visit Indonesia for a month and experience a totally new culture, but she also was able to make new friends from around the world, wear beautiful gowns and act as an ambassador for the Island.
3. Appearing at various charity events and schools. Ms Arnfield got to meet and talk with people from all facets of the community and said she was “proud to be able to give something back”.
4. Glamorous photo shoots. Even before Ms Arnfield became Miss Bermuda she was a budding model, but she said it was great to get to continue to grow her portfolio and modelling techniques during her pageant reign.
5. Jumping into Hamilton Harbour, as part of a recent Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraising Event. Ms Arnfield said it was a special moment to take part in the last month’s ‘How much would you pay to see me…?’ fund- raiser.
It happened to be her last public appearance as Miss Bermuda, she was also surrounded by around 500 supporters and was able to support a great local charity.
