A Bermudian mother-daughter team living overseas have been causing waves in Illinois and Washington, D.C.

High-school student Simaya Eversley has been chosen to be a contestant in the 2003 Miss Teen Illinois International Contest, while her mother Tonita LeShore's presentation on Cultural Diversity earned their town recognition from the US capital.

Currently living in Illinois, Ms Eversley will represent the suburban town of Bellwood in the Miss Teen Illinois contest. Her selection was based on a screening and interview process as well as academic performance, and her platform is `AIDS Amongst Teenagers - Abstinence, Condoms or Death'.

Ms Eversley is maintaining a B+ average in high school and will graduate in June 2004. She is also a student at the Barbizon School of Modelling. Her career ambitions are to be a journalist, own her own clothing line, and to become a professional actor and model. "I have learnt two of life's valuable lessons," she said. "There are always consequences for one's actions, and you only get out what you put in."

Ms Eversley attributes most of her success to her mother's support. Ms LeShore herself has been in the spotlight lately, making a trip to Washington, D.C. to accept the National Black Caucus-Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) 2003 City Cultural Diversity Award on behalf of the city of Bellwood.

Ms LeShore was chosen by the mayor of Bellwood to be responsible for the city's presentation to the National League of Cities. Out of 75 contender's in Bellwood's population category, the Bellwood presentation won second prize.

"Each of us is blessed to be the benefactor of a strong, rich and beautiful cultural heritage," Ms LeShore said. "Let us all commit to working together for the common good and the betterment of our global community. Cultural diversity in society makes the world a unique and better place."