Réunion Island had not had the pleasure of this coronation.  Originally from Saint-Leu, Valérie Bègue has become Miss France 2008, therefore thrusting Réunion Island onto the international stage.   

This 22 year-old young lady, who measures 1m74, can't get over it.  "For the moment, I haven't yet come back down to earth", said Valérie Bègue the day after her coronation, at the press agency (Associated Press).  Originally from Saint- Leu, this young Reunionese will proudly and honourably, over the next year, wear Miss France's sash and famous crown.      

A 30 year wait

The weight on her shoulders was even heavier than usual, as the whole "department" of La Réunion had been waiting for this event for more than thirty years.  No Miss Réunion had won this contest since the coronation of Monique Uldaric as Miss Réunion 1975. 
Although Valérie Bègue admits that she did not dream about this election as a child, she says that she did have a revelation.   

 "It was this year or never, "she confided to the local press.  The young woman was right to follow her instinct.  The jury, presided by Patrick Bruel and made up of the producer Dominique Farrugia, the presenter Carole Rousseau, Miss France 2006 Alexandra Rosenfeld, the singer and actress Elisa Tovati, the international rugbyman Christophe Dominici and Orlando, the brother of the deceased singer and actress Dalida, were won over by the Creole charm.     

Valérie Bègue took over the crown from Rachel Legrain-Trapani, She won against another island beauty, Miss New Caledonia, who was elected "1^st Dauphine".  They were followed by Miss Pays-de-Loire who was "2^nd Dauphine", Miss Burgundy, "3^rd Dauphine", and Miss Riviera, "4^th Dauphine".     

Diversity and tolerance

But beauty is not the young woman's sole leitmotiv.  As soon as Valérie Bègue had her crown on her head, she took advantage of her election to convey messages that highlighted her native island.  "I would like to embody France with diversity and tolerance, just like there is back where I come from, on Réunion Island," said the young student, currently in her second year of an international trade diploma course.    

 "Historically multicultural, Réunion Island draws its wealth from the ethnic diversity of its population.  I would like to project a different image of Réunion Island and not the one linked to words such as chikungunya, the eruption of the Piton de la Fournaise or lepstoprosis."    

Not only will the young woman be representing France, but she also intends to become the ambassador of Réunion Island, across the world.  The new Miss France 2008 has an open heart.  She fully intends to take advantage of being in the spotlight to help fight against breast cancer or against cystic fibrosis or leukodystrophies, which is dealt with by the ELA association.      

VT