BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MISS ACADEMICS 15-year-old Valencia Kelly was crowned Miss Verchild’s 2013 shortly before 1:00 a.m. yesterday morning (Nov. 9) before an impressive crowd assembled on the school premises in Verchild’s Village.
Kelly, who is a student of the top fourth form class, 4V1, amassed a total of 346 points and copped three out of the four judged segments - Best Ambassadorial Appearance, Best Evening Wear and Best Interview.
First Runner-up position went to Miss Sports 14-year-old Akilah Stephens with a score of 326.5 points while Miss Extra Curriculum Activities 14-year-old Tatiana Phipps placed Second Runner-up with 324.5 points and was also presented the Chairman Award.
Stephens won the Best Talent segment. She did a dance presentation about being a victim of 'sexting' and artistically moved about while holding a diary as she shared private photos sent to her boyfriend which ended up online.
Her pre-recorded spoken words were emanated through speakers.
Stephens danced to the popular American pop song, 'Titanium' by David Guetta featuring Sia, as she encouraged her peers not to become victims of 'sexting’.
Miss Enterprise 15-year-old Samantha Hodge took home the Miss Amity award.
The other contestant Miss Performing Arts 15-year-old Tijonnee Douglas was awarded Miss Photogenic.
SKNVibes found out that Miss Academics is a track star, as she shared that she has been involved in athletics since her primary school days.
Kelly said she felt great having won the crown during an interview conducted after the show.
She shared that she usually participates in athletics, including this year's where she won a gold medal each in the 800m and the 400m as well as the 300m hurdles.
Commenting on how she goes about making time for her schoolwork and sports, Kelly highlighted that she always tries to find a balance in both areas in order to perform well.
According to her, being engaged in sports helped her to relax.
The show was hosted by former Miss National Carnival Queen contestant, Michelina Charles-Hazelle and Emcee Cuttoe.
Cuttoe had the audience in stitches during a segment of the show in which he emerged onstage wearing the girls uniform of Verchild’s High School, a shoulder length wig with a red scarf wrapped around it and a four-inch black pumps.
While he interacted with seven-year-old Zarinique and eight-year-old Doneli onstage, he apparently encountered some difficulty with his high heels. Humorously, he tapped on one shoe and said: "Lawd heels no fall me...you too high. Stan up!"
The house band for the event was the Kollision Band.
Outstanding Sound and a school-spirited male duo who belted out two songs were also included on the entertainment line-up.
