Brains and Beauty: Former Festival Queen is Jamaica’s 2025 Rhodes Scholar

Aundrene Cameron is the embodiment of brilliance and grace.

At just 22, the 2023 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen has added another coveted title to her name: Jamaica’s 2025 Rhodes Scholar. This remarkable achievement makes her part of a global elite, joining the ranks of history-making individuals whose intellect, leadership, and drive have shaped the world.

The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1903 and awarded annually to one Jamaican since 1904, is the world’s oldest and most prestigious graduate fellowship. Winning it is no small feat. The selection process is notoriously rigorous, aiming to identify exceptional young leaders who pair academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges. Past recipients have gone on to hold influential roles in global governance, science, and human rights, making this honor a launchpad for impactful careers.

Cameron’s journey to this milestone is as inspiring as her credentials are impressive. A former student of Campion College and Ardenne High School, she holds a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and is currently in her second year at the Norman Manley Law School.

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Her academic journey continues next fall at the University of Oxford, where she will pursue a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master of Philosophy in Law, with a focus on human trafficking—a cause she holds close to her heart.

Miss Cameron was one of six women and four men who competed for the scholarship this year, impressing the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee with her intellect, poise, and vision. The announcement, made on November 14 during a ceremony at King’s House, drew cheers from her fellow finalists and committee members alike.

“It was an absolutely difficult decision to make because we had 10 really very brilliant candidates,” remarked Professor Gordon Shirley, Chair of the Committee. “There could only be one, and today’s selection is for Ms. Aundrene Cameron.”

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Cameron’s achievements as Miss Jamaica Festival Queen reflect her deep commitment to community and cultural advocacy. “This is such a beautiful moment. It gives me an amazing opportunity to take my contribution to Jamaica to the next level,” she said, glowing with gratitude after the announcement.

The Rhodes Scholarship has always been more than a prize; it is a gateway to creating lasting impact. With her winning blend of brains, beauty, and a resolute determination to tackle human trafficking, Aundrene Cameron stands poised to leave her mark on the world—and make Jamaica proud.