They had been doing a back and forth via telephone trying to catch me for days. Finally, we made contact. We were on the telephone together. It was a simple request. Would I be available to act as a judge for the Miss Youth Empowerment 2013 pageant. Five brave young ladies ranging in age from 9 – 12 had stepped forward. They were willing to be judged not just by their peers, but by their parents, friends and a panel of professionals. I was only one of three judges.
St. Lucia Junior Pride has been working with at-risk children for 23 years. The group was founded in 1989; their mission, To educate, promote and support drug-free youth who care for the safety and health of self, peers, family and community. Working with a modest budget, they depend solely on the generosity of the corporate community to fund all of their activities, and consequently the group faces many challenges.
This pageant, the first of its kind for them, was one of those challenges. The organizers were quick to point out that had it not been for their commitment to seeing this through, it would not have happened. They were this close to disappointing the girls. It would have been unconscionable. But it did not come to that.
Instead, the girls rehearsed and tried to perfect their stage personalities. They graced the stage in futuristic wear, evening gown, interview; and talent. The little ladies were wonderful. Each one owned the stage when she was on it. But there could only be one winner. Ms. Andrecia Benoit (centre), a student of the Ave Maria Girls Primary School steals the show and is crowned Ms Youth Empowerment 2013. Ms. Maurisca Quinlan (2nd from the left), from the Camille Henry Primary School is 1st runner-up and Ms. Analiecia Edmund (extreme right), from the Carmen Rene Memorial Primary School is 2nd runner up. Ms. Jonella Edgar (2nd from the right; Ave Maria Girls Primary) and Ms. Trava Chiquot (extreme left; Camille Henry Primary School) also participated in this event. We congratulate all of the girls. They were lovely, brave, and they put on a wonderful show.
judycdeterville 