As the new Miss Bermuda Pageant winner waits to be crowned tomorrow might, a former titleholder has spoken of her “rewarding” experiences during her 12-month reign.Jannell Ford was crowned Miss Bermuda 1985 after entering the pageant, because of a bet with a friend.This experience was to be one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.“I absolutely loved being an ambassador for the Island and representing Bermuda on the world stage was extremely satisfying,” she said.“During my reign I was actively involved in numerous charity events in Bermuda, which taught me the value of doing charity work and showed me how satisfying it is to help people less fortunate than you.”Of the night that she was crowned, she said: “It was very surreal, but the crowning moment in no way compared to the fabulous year I had representing the Island as Miss Bermuda.”So did Miss Pembroke East expect to win the pageant?”The 1985 pageant was a very competitive and tightly contested competition,” she said.“All of the contestants were very focused, highly articulate, intelligent, attractive young women, so yes, winning the competition was somewhat of a surprise.”As Miss Bermuda she found that there were lots of surprises in store.“An anonymous donor offered me a complete new wardrobe and flew my mom and me to New York City for a jet-set style shopping spree where we were chauffeur-driven between top design houses and stores,” said Ms Ford.“My mom and I had a fabulous time and we fondly remember our New York trip to this day. Other highlights of my year include modelling for Ebony Magazine and travelling throughout North America promoting Bermuda.”In addition, she represented Bermuda at the Miss Universe Pageant in Miami, Florida and at the Miss World in London.On meeting women from so many countries around the globe, she said: “It was an amazing experience.“It was akin to having a geography lesson crammed into a two-week period.“I learned so much about different countries and cultures and made friends with some very special people at the same time.”And she has remained friends with a few of them, especially Miss Bahamas, who she always catches up with when she is in her country.When asked what was the hardest part of both the local and international competition, she said: “I don’t remember anything being particularly difficult other than learning the various dance routines.“I am not a natural dancer so learning the steps and different dance moves was quite challenging for me.”Her advice to budding Miss Bermudas is to “enjoy every moment of the experience and to take advantage of any opportunities, which may come their way as a result of winning the contest”.“The Miss Bermuda Pageant did make a difference in my life and can make a positive difference in the lives of others.“As Miss Bermuda a young lady will have the opportunity to network, to find a platform for a cause and be a woman of beauty and intelligence. She can make a difference.”A total of 17 contestants will take part in tomorrow night’s pageant revival, to be held at the Fairmont Southampton.