Determined to win, Miss Teen Bermuda Islands 2005 put everything that she could into Sunday night's pageant. In the end she didn't disappoint herself as she ended up with a sparkling crown, prizes and most importantly a year's worth of new responsibilities.

Miss Southampton Tishauna Raynor, 17, admitted that throughout the pageant she always believed in herself and her abilities.

When asked whether there was ever a point she thought she might lose, Miss Raynor responded: "I was in it to win it, and there was nothing that would stop me".

Though Tishauna always remained faithful she did admit being the last one standing came as a shock.

"It was very shocking, (I am) looking forward to it," said Tishauna with nervous excitement only moments after winning the title of Miss Teen 2005.

But Miss Raynor did not only have faith in herself she also believed in the other competitors, six girls that grew into her close and possibly even lifelong friends.

"All of those girls worked hard. I called all the girls (yesterday) morning and thanked them for everything, their support," she said. "Everyone just came together. I even gave some of the girls tips for their platform speeches."

She continued "I wish all the girls the best of luck in their future endeavours. I hope to maintain good friendships with them."

The Royal Gazette asked Miss Southampton about what she loves most about her parish.

"I love my parish because I was raised in Southampton. All of the Raynors are from Southampton. It's the place where I call home. I also love the blue waters, South Shore. It's probably just like any other parish but it's where my family is."

There have been four amazing winners to come out of the pageant since 2001, nonetheless Tishauna, a student at Mount Saint Agnes, hopes to bring some new and different things to the table, including implementing some form of drug education programs within the Island's schools.

"I would like for all schools both public and private to maintain mandatory education programs by working with local drug prevention agencies."

Though Tishauna has a series of goals she wishes to accomplish during her reign, all-in-all the most important thing for her is to be a good role model to younger children.

"My main focus in being Miss Teen Bermuda 2005, is to be the best role model I can be. I think it is important for young people to have someone to look up to," she said.

Tishauna even admits she entered the competition in order to become a role model: "It makes me a better person because I have to try to do everything right.

"I am very outgoing, very friendly. I would just love children to look up to me."

So far Tishauna admits she has learned a lot from the pageant and pageant promoter Terry Smith.

"I have learned to be very obedient. To always have confidence in yourself. If I had to work with contestants in 2006 I would say no matter what someone tells you, negative or positive things, don't always just consider the negative in it.

"Take it into a positive thing, he (Terry Smith) is really trying to help you."

Though yesterday was Tishauna's first official day as Miss Teen 2005 there was one thing that she was particularly anticipating.

"I want my horse and buggy ride. I am very excited," she said. "I am very friendly. I love to walk around and strut my crown and my wand," she continued, about her first day on the job.

Tishauna is looking forward to the next year, however she admits that her biggest fear during this experience is public speaking. "Though a lot of people say that I speak very well, sometimes your mind just goes blank.