An 18-year-old Wareham resident will put years of preparation to test when she represents Massachusetts in the Miss Intercontinental United States Pageant soon.

Dana Kissoon has lived in town her whole life and started modeling and acting classes at age 14. Two years ago at a modeling competition, she met Miss Intercontinental’s pageant director. In March, he reached out to Kissoon encouraging her to apply. She did and earned the chance to compete.

The pageant takes place during an eight-day Caribbean cruise from July 22 - 30.

“I’ve always wanted to do this, and my mom and dad have always supported me because they didn’t have the opportunities that I do,” said Kissoon.

Her parents moved to Wareham from Trinidad and Tobago before Kissoon was born. Freddy, Kissoon’s father, said his brother-in-law recommended the town “because he said it was a good place to raise a child.”

Freddy said he’s proud of the poised young woman his daughter has become. But it’s bittersweet, too.

“She’s all grown up,” he said.

Her two older brothers, both Buzzards Bay residents, are proud as well, and have always supported her, she said.

The pageant itself includes a question and answer session, presentation (where contestants introduce themselves) and an evening gown portion.

Contestants will also have an opportunity to get off the ship at stops along the cruise. In particular, Kissoon said she’s looking forward to seeing Turks and Caicos.

“I always saw how beautiful it looked on TV and I know the videos don’t do it justice until you see it for yourself,” said Kissoon.

Should she win, Kissoon will then represent the United States at the Miss Intercontinental World Pageant.

To follow Kissoon during her trip, visit her Facebook page by clicking here and like it to show support.