Miss Kevie-Ann Peirre of Bodden Town is the new Miss Teen Cayman Islands! This was Miss Peirre’s second time in the pageant and she used her experience to full advantage, wowing the judges and earning their votes to make her the reigning Miss Teen 2017-18. It was Ms Kevie-Ann’s personal interview with the Judges that may have taken her over the top to win the title.

The show began with a spectacular dance performance by the six contestants and Miss Teen 2016-17 Miss Teen Liana DaCosta. In a grand entrance Ms DaCosta was carried to the stage on a hand carried chariot which, from the applause and cheers of the audience was a huge hit!

From all accounts the competition was very stiff with each contestant giving their best performances. Talent on display included a monologue by Contestant No. 3 Layah Ebanks, which had the audience captivated. Her style and presentation of Chimamada Ngozi Adichie’s “We should all be Feminists”, was well received.

Other talent which the audience seemed to appreciate were a hip hop dance routine by the youngest contestant No. 1 Ms Thalia Naranjo who burst onto the stage in a costume lit by LED lights and a red lighted heart. Thalia also won the title of Most improved and Miss Personality — the latter was decided by the contestants. Arleny Connor, Contestant No. 6 performed a medley of Michael Jackson’s songs and her interpretation of MJs movement was flawless. Contestant No 2 Miss Lian Ebanks gave a soulful rendition of Alicia Keys’ “Superwoman”, crediting her mother for being a superwoman and teaching her to become one. Contestant No 4 Ashley Bush performed on the Baritone, a difficult instrument but which she obviously enjoyed, demonstrating her unique talent. Ashley placed second runner up. The Miss Teen winner, Kevie-Ann’s talent was a song by Andra Day called “Rise Up”.

Chairperson of the Pageant Committee, Ms Stephanie Scott said that “all contestants gave outstanding performances. She said that if she had to judge the competition, she could not have chosen between the contestants. They were all excellent. She said that as a Committee, “we become a part of these contestants’ lives and so it would be harder for us to choose one over the other. Our panel of experienced judges do a good job in assessing the presentations of each girl and although there is always disappointment when one person wins over the other, I trust that the young ladies all see themselves as winners and embrace their more confident and self-assured personalities”.

The Miss Teen committee will continue to be a part of these young women’s lives as they will be invited to be part of the planning committee for next year’s pageant and become mentors to new contestants for next year’s pageant. In addition they will continue to be involved with community service through the Lions and Leo clubs of Grand Cayman. The Committee is also considering a training session for parents to give them a better understanding of the pageant, its rules and judging criteria that can only serve to equip them to support all the contestants after the pageant is over.

The Lions Club wishes to thank all sponsors (who will be named in a public Notice), supporters, dance and runway coaches and volunteers. Special thanks to the Toast Masters team, dance and runway coaches who spent countless hours working with the contestants to help them become as confident as they were in their presentations. Ms Scott also said that the support of the parents made things much easier, getting the girls from one place to the next and she looks forward to their continued support.
Miss Teen 2017-2018, the 1st and 2nd Runners-up will now embark on their new journey as Ambassadors for the youth of the Cayman Islands.