Black College Queens.

Miss Saunders, representing Allen University, was among 90 college queens from black colleges and universities around the US.

Miss Saunders, the daughter of Ms Yvette Saunders and Mr. Dennis Preece of St.

George's, was among the first group of Bermudians granted a scholarship to attend Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina in January 1992, with the help of Opposition MP the Rev. Trevor Woolridge.

She is a senior, majoring in accounting and is on the National Dean's List.

"We are elated and very proud of her. We know she's out there doing her best,'' enthused her mother.

"We were both very optimistic about her going to Allen University, and when there was that controversy with other Bermudian students Denise always said that they were forgetting the reason why they were out there.

"Denise is thankful to Rev. Trevor Woolridge for his assistance and she is dedicated and serious about what she is doing,'' she said.

Miss Saunders' mission was to get her Masters degree in accounting after she graduates next year, said her mother.

Miss Denise Saunders