The Contestants in the 2023 Miss Teen Dominica were sashed on Wednesday at the official launch at the Old Mill Cultural Center.
The Contestants representing five secondary schools on the island gave a short speech after receiving their sashes from the reigning Miss Teen Dominica 2020, Lytleen Julie n. They encouraged the public to come and support them as they promise to deliver an entertaining show after the two year hiatus.
Raymond Lawrence of the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company (the organizers of the pageant), said that pageantry is beneficial to individuals for many reasons and as such it is fitting that the Miss Teen Dominica pageant make a return to the carnival activities.
He praised the contribution of the arts saying that Arts and culture has a very important role in society as it allows persons to develop skills and find employment.
He added, “Through pageants, many young ladies develop their self esteem and self worth. They also develop their self confidence and are able to face the world and all its challenges in a more courageous, dignified and professional manner. So yes, it’s important that our youth are engaged in arts and culture and by extension, they are engaged in nation building”.
Lawrence reminded those present that while this is a competition some of the most important aspects of the show is the building of talent, encouragement of growth in knowledge and fluency of speech, the development of grace and poise, the strengthening of stage performance and public interaction, the fostering of togetherness and collaboration and the enhancement of Dominica’s carnival product.
Headline sponsor for this year’s pageant is AC Shillingford & Company Ltd(ACS) who was represented by Kendra Stevens.
Stevens said that ACS boasts both wholesale and retail outlets and is the distributor for many household brands such as Promex Milk and Maribel products.
She added that the company has sponsored numerous sporting events and community activities over the years and credits its loyal customers for its ability to continue to play its part in nation building.
“Our support this year is not limited to the teenage pageant but also to various aspects of the carnival product…We applaud the show organizers for the tremendous job that they continue to do annually and we wish success as the young ladies sparkle with splendor and elegance on the afternoon of February 12, 2023”, Stevens said.
Miss Teen 2020, Lytleen Julien who represented Orion Academy but who is presently a student of St.Nicholas University had these words of wisdom for this year’s contestants.
“I urge each one of you to continue working hard because anything you put your mind to, you can achieve. And remember when you are put under pressure, at the end, like a diamond you will shine.”
The five contestants in the order in which they will compete are:
1. Mia Williams, Isaiah Thomas Secondary sponsored by Argos Dominica.
2. Shian Sylvester, Dominica Grammar School, sponsored by Do It Center.
3. Jharrisia Gage, Convent High sponsored by Signal Band, HHV Whitchurch Sweet Novelties, Lovelee Things, Escape Bar & Grill, Queen 2 Queen Make Up Artists and the Convent High School.
4. Kenisha Antoine, Castle Bruce Secondary sponsored by the High Swag Life Store and Vibean TV.
5. Sherveze Seaman, Portsmouth Secondary sponsored by Domlec.
This year’s pageant is the 44th edition of the pageant and is being held under the theme ‘Engaging Our Youth in Nation Building’.
