Today we present the second of a two-part feature on the young beauties vying for the Miss Bermuda 2012 title. Read about the girls and then come prepared to lend your support for your favourite contestant on Sunday at the Fairmont Southampton. Tickets, $65 to $105, are on sale at www.bdatix.bm.Chelsy FurtadoMiss PembrokeWhy did you decide to enter the Miss Bermuda Pageant 2012?I entered the Miss Bermuda Pageant 2012 because I believe I possess the qualities that is necessary to become an ambassador of Bermuda. These qualities consist of poise, intelligence, a kind heart, leadership, and beauty. I would like to represent not only myself well but my country well in the Miss World Pageant. In addition, I would like to treat the whole experience as a learning curve. Many of the skills that are learned in the pageant can be translated into real life situations. It gives me an opportunity to work on my strengths and more importantly my weaknesses. I would also like to encourage people to follow their heart, not drowning in the opinions of others, and to never be afraid of failure. For failures helps you to learn and grow.What do you think is your best attribute — be it your smile, style or sense of humour?I believe my best attribute is being selfless. I believe that no matter how tough you think your life is there is always someone who has to face challenges even greater than yours. By giving back to the community you are not only helping others grow stronger, but also helping yourself to become stronger. Any leader should poses this quality in order to guide others with love and respect.What is your professional background? Do you have a college degree?I attended Mount Saint Agnes Academy for 13 years and took courses that challenged my abilities while staying actively involved in the community. I recently graduated on June 14, 2012 as Valedictorian of this year's graduating class. Analytic skills, attention to detail, and drive are three important attributes needed to excel at being an accountant, the career path I intend to pursue. I believe I possess a number of these qualities but more importantly I want to learn and develop the ones I do not have. Therefore, in September 2012 I will become a full-time Acadia University student. I will be doing a four-year program, entitled bachelor of business administration. In order to fulfill all my carrier aspirations I will then return to Bermuda to attain my charted accountant (CA) designation.What has been the most challenging/ rewarding part of the pageant process so far?It has been extremely rewarding meeting the other contestants in the competition. I do not look at them as competitors but rather new friends whom I can confide in, learn from, and laugh with. Overall, I think that the whole pageant is a challenge, but that is one of the reasons why I decided to do it. They say that the one thing people fear more than death is public speaking. Therefore, my biggest challenge is just that, public speaking. However, I have noticed that through several seminars and building of my confidence I have shown an improvement in this area.What are your hobbies? Do you have any interesting skills or talents?One of my main passions is dancing. I have danced with the Inmotion School of Dance since I was nine and have enjoyed it ever since. The feeling you get right before you go on stage is indescribable, and performing is even better; it's why I dance. It doesn't matter how good you are at something (not entirely), what's more important is the passion and drive you have for it. Also, besides being able to touch my tongue with my nose, I enjoy painting, learning, swimming, and walking.Why do you deserve to be Miss Bermuda 2012?I deserve to be Miss Bermuda 2012 because I believe I poses the qualities and well roundedness that is necessary to become an ambassador of Bermuda. These qualities consist of poise, intelligence, a kind heart, leadership, and beauty. I have the ability to follow through with all the hard work and dedication it will take to be an exceptional ambassador of Bermuda. This opportunity will also give me the foundation that is needed to initiate change within the community and change within myself.Lené HypoliteMiss DevonshireWhy did you decide to enter the Miss Bermuda Pageant 2012?I believe that title of Miss Bermuda provides a unique opportunity to effect positive change with my community through touching the lives of others. My ultimate goal is to become an ambassador for Bermuda and the UK in the United Nations, and the Miss World Competition would be a great place to start. In addition, representing Bermuda internationally at the Miss World Pageant would be an honour and privilege as being an ambassador for our country is always had a strong desire for.What do you think is your best attribute — be it your smile, style or sense of humour?My best attribute is definitely my sense of humour. I believe it is the greatest gift someone could have. The ability to find a positive light in most situations has contributed to my versatility and ability to rise to the occasion in whatever is presented before me. Laughter is the best medicine and I love to make others laugh and smile, which also makes me smile in return.What is your professional background? Do you have a college degree?I am currently working on a master's of arts in economics and policy, which is the study of how global and national policies effect change in the local community. I am also a graduate assistant at Georgia State University. I have a bachelor's of arts in bilingual economics from York University and completed the Rotary Exchange Program to Venezuela, which was a very rewarding experience. This summer I am working at the Bermuda Monetary Authority as an intern in policy and research.What has been the most challenging/ rewarding part of the pageant process so far?The most rewarding part of the pageant would be the opportunity to participate in various workshops such as etiquette and resume writing. We have been afforded many opportunities to hone and cultivate our personal and professional skillset. I also enjoy practicing and getting to know the other contestants. It is exciting to see the calibre of young, intelligent and charismatic women on our island, to that end, Bermuda should be very proud. It is a challenge for me not to focus on the pageant when I am not at rehearsal or workshops because I am very excited about being a contestant. The whole experience has been so much fun, and I cannot wait to get on stage for Bermuda to see all the hard work that we have put into this production.What are your hobbies? Do you have any interesting skills or talents?I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, learning new cultures and languages. I enjoy cooking and keeping fit. I am also fluent in Spanish and am functional in both French and Portuguese. I love acting and the theatre. I won the Bermuda Miss Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International Scholarship Competition with my acting performance in 2005.Why do you deserve to be Miss Bermuda 2012?The holder of the Miss Bermuda title should embody the same true beauty that our own island possesses. It involves using skills, intellect and talent to uphold a standard of excellence in our society, and empowering our community to do the same. I love my island and if I am bestowed the honour of receiving the title I will continue on Bermuda's legacy of true beauty, as role model for others and an ambassador for my country. I have successfully represented Bermuda internationally in the past and I would love the opportunity to once again show the world what we have to offer in our unique island through its warm and welcoming people and diverse culture that transpires throughout to its physical beauty of pink sand, turquoise waters and beautiful beaches.Deshona PerinchiefMiss WarwickWhy did you decide to enter the Miss Bermuda Pageant 2012?I entered this pageant to learn more about myself and my country. It is a good experience to promote your abilities and skills, create a social bond with other young women, and make a difference; all while having fun.What do you think is your best attribute — be it your smile, style or sense of humour?My best attribute would have to be my sense of humour. I'm blessed with a gift to make others around me feel comfortable and have a laugh.What is your professional background? Do you have a college degree?Presently, I am a cashier at A1 Paget. I have obtained my associate degree in office administration and business management; my plans are to build on that degree and put it to use in the future.What has been the most challenging/ rewarding part of the pageant process so far?The most challenging part of the competition has been learning to dance in heels without the worry of falling! The most rewarding part of the pageant has been meeting the other ladies and getting glamorous for photo shoots.What are your hobbies? Do you have any interesting skills or talents?My hobbies are dancing, singing, modelling and I also enjoy fashion design. Basically anything that lets me be artistic I enjoy.Why do you deserve to be Miss Bermuda 2012?I deserve to be Miss Bermuda because I have what it takes to be a role-model. I am a hard worker and I'm dedicated to be the best I can be and inspire others.DaShunte FurbertMiss Hamilton ParishWhy did you decide to enter the Miss Bermuda Pageant 2012?The Miss Bermuda Pageant provides an amazing opportunity to represent my country as well as myself in a positive manner. Through the Miss Bermuda platform I would be able to, not only meet new people, but also to encourage the younger community to aspire for higher attainments and strive for success.What do you think is your best attribute — be it your smile, style or sense of humour?My smile would most likely be my best physical attribute. Usually doing conversations or interactions, I am usually smiling and laughing were my big smile is usually acknowledged.What is your professional background? Do you have a college degree?Currently I am working with the Bermuda Hospitals Board as an office assistant. This opportunity has provided me with the ability to acquire the necessary funds to continue on with my educational aspirations. I have an associate degree in science (biology) with the hopes of becoming a paediatric nurse.What has been the most challenging/ rewarding part of the pageant process so far?The most challenging aspect of the pageant process has actually been deciding which evening gown to wear on stage! With so many beautiful options, It became difficult to determine which gown exemplified my personal style. The most rewarding part of the process has been meeting my fellow contestants and participating in the informative seminars.What are your hobbies? Do you have any interesting skills or talents?I enjoy dance, swimming, mentoring young children through YouthNet and engaging with my family and friends.Why do you deserve to be Miss Bermuda 2012?The Miss Bermuda title and organisation represents poise, uniqueness, intelligence, being genuine and the ability to relate to her community; which are all characteristics I possess. This is why I believe I deserve to be Miss Bermuda 2012.