Nicole wins Miss Teen Cayman Brac

(CNS): Sixteen-year old Nicole Martin was crowned Miss Teen Cayman Brac 2011/12 in front of a cheering crowd at the Aston Rutty Civic Center on Saturday 14 May, while Josanda Scott took the title of 1st runner- up, Caitlin Connor was 2nd runner-up and Evelyn Ebanks was 3rd runner–up. The judges made their final decisions based on the night’s show and points awarded in the categories of Talent, Awareness, Casual Wear, Costume, Gown, Photogenic, Stage Presentation and response to the Interview question during the formal wear.  The show included the sections, casual wear, costumes depicting the four elements of nature, swimwear, talent, formal wear and an interview question. 

A pre-show interview also took place where the girls were asked questions testing their knowledge and awareness of current local and global issues as well as their ability to communicate clearly and effectively.  According to committee chair Lion Ventisha Conolly, the Talent segment seemed to have been quite a challenge for the judges. “There was quite an array of talents ranging from poetry, vocal music, instrumental music and dance”, she said.

Appearances throughout the night were also made by the newly crowned Little Miss Cayman Brac Kassandra DaCosta and Junior Miss Cayman Brac Lori Parchman, as well as Miss Teen Cayman Islands 2010, Leanne Ritch, who entertained the audience with her rendition of Miley Cyrus’ The Climb.  MCs were National Gallery’s Mona Lisa Tatum-Watler and Deputy District Commissioner, Lion Mark Tibbetts.  Nicholas DaCosta, Derri Dacres, La Femme and Koalition Dance groups, brothers Tushaun and Tafari Young, and Deandra Watson also provided entertainment which had the crowd of some 400 Brackers cheering throughout the show.

According to Conolly, “The girls all performed well and provided a challenge for  judges  Derri Dacres (Deputy Chairperson of Miss Cayman Islands Committee and former Miss Teen Cayman Brac), Chantal Whittaker, Alta Solomon and Melissa McLaughlin”.

In the end, Caitlin Connor took home the Cecily Rose Community Spirit Award and $1000 tertiaryeducation scholarship courtesy of Cleveland and Celina Dilbert.  She also received the People’s Choice Award, Miss Congeniality and Most Aware. Josanda Scott walked away with the Best Talent, Best Costume and Best Gown awards while Nicole Martin took Miss Photogenic.

The Miss Teen Cayman Brac committee noted that the not all sectional prizes contributed to the final points used for selecting the winner and runners up.  People’s Choice award was voted on by patrons at the show and did not count towards the final points.  Likewise, the girls decided on Miss Congeniality through a voting process and this too was not used towards the final points. 

The Cecily Rose-Conolly Community Spirit Award was introduced a few years ago in honour of the late Cecilly Rose-Connolly who was a stalwart in community service.  The recipient is decided on by the Miss Teen Committee based on the girl’s contribution to the community through various groups or institutions.  This sectional prize is also excluded from the final points used for selecting Miss Teen and runners up.

The Miss Teen Committee along with the board of directors and other members of the Lions Club of Cayman Brac wishes to express sincere gratitude to all the sponsors, judges, entertainers, the MCs, parents of the girls, members of the Leos Club of Cayman Brac, patrons who attended the show, all others who helped in one way or the other and the general community for their support.  Committee Chair Lion Ventisha said, “Together, we can make a difference in our community and the Miss Teen Contest is just one way in which we help to build that positive image among our young ladies”. 

For more information on Lions Clubs service activities or information on how to get involved, visit our blog at www.braclions.blogspot.com or email us at cblions@candw.ky. (Photo below: Miss Teen Cayman Brac Nicole Martin seated, standing L-R Evelyn Ebanks, Josanda Scott, Caitlin Connor and Miss Teen Cayman Islands 2010 Leanne Ritch)