Calvo was crowned Miss Earth Guam 2011 during the local pageant’s coronation night held at the Sheraton Laguna Resort, Wednesday.
The elaborate event was hosted by Rick Nauta and special guest Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry.
Starting the night were cultural dancers, followed by an opening number to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” making way for an introduction to the 20 lovely contestants.
For nearly four hours, the crowded audience of anxious family members and supporters were kept at the edge of their seat as they cheered, hoped and prayed for their favorite contestant to win.
Contestants were judged according to best in swimsuit, native costume and evening gown before they could advance to the final question and answer portion.
Before proceeding to the deeper end of the competition, all 20 contestants lined up on the stage for a special awards presentation.
The Miss Friendship award went to Michelle Esperon. Miss Photogenic was a tie with Calvo and Davilynn Perez. From first to third place in the Best in Native Costume category were Jennifer Cortez, Richonne Luzanta and Nicole Heath, respectively.
Best in Swimsuit went to Davilynn Perez, while Best in Evening Gown went to Calvo.
Iconnect Texters Choice Award went to Gabrielle Kanani Duenas, who received the most text votes.
Primitiva Muna won Miss Eco-Tourism; Gabrielle Kanani Duenas won the third runner-up title of Miss Earth Fire; Davilynn Perez won second runner-up title Miss Earth Water; Nicole Heath won first-runner up title Miss Earth Air; And ultimately, Calvo won Miss Earth Guam.
Calvo, a 25-year-old who hails from Yigo, teaches English to middle and high school students at St. Paul Christian School. Initially, what sparked her interest in the Miss Earth pageant was its advocacy towards the environment.
“What attracted me to the Miss Earth Organization was their commitment to the environment and the promotion and education of environmental awareness,” said Calvo.
Not realizing she would take home the title of Miss Earth Guam, Calvo said she was nervous in the beginning, but as the pageant progressed, her confidence increased.
As the international pageant nears, Calvo will still be teaching. In addition to teaching, she will still make time to learn more about issues afflicting the environment in hopes of making the island proud as she goes off-island to compete.
“I’m excited to represent our island in the international pageant in Thailand,” said Calvo. “I am preparing myself mentally by continuing to educate myself on the environmental issues our world faces.”
Calvo will be sent to Pattaya, Thailand to represent Guam in the international Miss Earth 2011 pageant on Nov. 12.
