The winners (from left): Miss Teen Jamaica Florida, Shantel Luton; Junior Miss Jamaica, Davianna Gordon; Little Miss Jamaica Florida, Tara-Ann Francis and Miss Jamaica Florida, Megan Small. - CONTRIBUTED
THE 17TH ANNUAL Miss Jamaica Florida competition which took place at the Coral Springs Centre for the Arts last Sunday, lured a number of parents, families and friends creating a lively audience.
The pageant, under the theme 'Different Nations? One People' showcased several countries and cultures in the creative expressions contestants worked feverishly to accomplish. Each contestant from the categories: Little Miss Jamaica Florida (ages 5-8), Junior Miss Jamaica Florida (ages 9-12), Miss Teen Jamaica Florida (ages 13-15) and Miss Jamaica Florida (ages 17-21), picked a country to feature for their 'Creative Expression'.
IMPRESSIVE
Most impressive were Tianna Smith, from the Little Miss category, who represented Sweden as well as Amali Morris whose Nigerian dance resonated Africa. Megan Michael, armed with her mangoes and steel pan, ably represented Trinidad and Tobago. In the Junior Teen category, Shardae Greene's portrayal of Princess Grace of Monaco deserved special recognition as she captured within her presentation the class, grace and style of the world-renowned princess. Egypt's rich culture of entertainment was certainly on display in Davianna Gordon's creative expression. The belly dancing, excellently executed, showcased another side of Egypt, aside from pyramids and pharaohs.
In the formal wear and interview segment, the display of propriety was overwhelming. Contestants, dressed in elegant gowns were escorted to the stage by dapper young men whose gentlemanly attributes were evident.
But this section not only focused on the physical, it tested their ability to analyse and answer selected questions intelligently. This segment sealed the deal for the contestants, some of whom answered and were immediately chosen as crowd favourites.
The winners were as follows: Little Miss Jamaica Florida, Tara-Ann Francis; first runner-up, Tianna Smith; second runner-up, Khrisan Grant; Junior Miss Jamaica Florida, Davianna Gordon; first runner-up, Megan Michael; second runner-up, Shardae Greene.
Miss Teen Jamaica Florida: Shantel Luton; first runner-up, Chadia Clarke, second runner-up, Danielle Lewis.
Miss Jamaica Florida: Megan Small; first runner-up, Krystal Robertson, second runner-up, Erica Francis.
- Contributed by Sonia Morgan
