Seven young ladies from various secondary schools on island, who will vie for the title of Miss Teen Dominica 2015, were officially launched on Thursday afternoon.
The contestants are; Lecreesha Wallace, representing the Portsmouth Secondary School and sponsored by Ross University School of Medicine; Katewanie Joseph, representing the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) and sponsored by Dominica Lotteries Commission; Ambrosia Jno Baptiste, 16 representing the Castle Bruce Secondary School and sponsored by CADREC; Stacy Thomas, 15, representing the Goodwill Secondary School (GSS) and sponsored by Fone Shack; Sunzhara Banks representing the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS) and sponsored by Domlec; Aniel Pacquette, 15, representing the Pierre Charles Secondary School and sponsored by New India Assurance Co.Ltd and Tonilia Elie 15, of the Convent High School. She is sponsored by Bull’s Eye Pharmacy.
Speaking at the launching ceremony held at the Arawak House of Culture, Director of the Waitikubuli Dance Theatre, Raymond Lawrence, said the pageant gives the young ladies the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills.
“It is a youth showcase of talent and skills. It is a wonderful opportunity for the young people of Dominica to shine,” Lawrence said. “It helps the young girls to develop their speaking, modeling and performing skills. And it also helps them to develop their sense of self confidence and self esteem.”
According to him, such events support the Visual and Performing Arts Program which is now being taught in schools, “and some of the students even go on to seat CXC exams in some of these art forms.”
Lawrence noted further that, the pageant provides a stepping stone for young girls to go on to bigger pageants, if they so desire.
“Some of our teen pageant contestants have gone on to the Carnival Queen Show and have in fact won several times,” he noted. “This goes to show that when our youth gain experience by positive activities they can go on to accomplish even greater things for themselves.”
He stated that the pageant is more than just a competition.
“We should all see this show not so much as a competition but as the celebration of the talent of our youth and contestants should focus more on what they have gained from the show in terms of experience, rather than whether their school won or didn’t win,” Lawrence said.
Meanwhile, Product Promotions Manager of Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), Kathy Cuffy Jno Jules, said participation in the teenage pageant offers one a world of opportunities.
“It gives one the voice to enlighten other persons about the causes that are dear to their heart. It also allows you to speak effectively off stage and on stage. It expands ones horizon to view ideas from other vantage points,” she said. “The interviewing and articulating skills that you would acquire during the pageant process will assist you in all walks of life.”
According to her, when applying for a job or trying to get to college, “all these acquired skills will prove to be very useful to you, so keep this in mind.”
“The pageant also affords you the opportunity to contribute towards development and preservation of Dominica’s culture and arts,” she said.
Jno Jules also called on potential sponsors to come on board to support the Miss Teen Dominica Pageant.
She also appealed to the schools on island to continue to show their support for the event.
Miss Teen Dominica’s crown this year will be provided by Quin’s Jewelry. The winner will also receive a trip for two on the Express Des Isle, compliments Whitchurch Shipping Department and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 4, compliments Digicel.
The show is set for Sunday February 8, at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.
The event is expected to begin at 5:00pm.
Because of the mounting cost of staging events, Lawrence said the price of tickets has increased.
Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for children.
The reigning Miss Teen Dominica is Shari Peter of the St John’s Academy.
lets go its we can do it alu look pretty
they are all pretty young girls… all the best
DNO papa you all don’t like positive feedback papa my post still waiting for moderation? Well look it
Girls! you all look beautiful and exquisite,I am glad I am not the judges because, you are all winnerrrrrrrrrrrrs,with gods blessings too, cheers
Stacy for Ms. Teen 2015
Please shaperons, too much make-up is applied on the young girls. make it a bit less loud please!
Congratulation to the teens , they look very pleasant. Good luck to you all and keep the spirit of your school alive. Be ambassadors for your school. Remember its only one who can be Miss Teen Dominica but all will be winner.
Congratulations ladies. I see some grooming needs to be done…long way to go!