BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FINALLY, a platform where children of primary school ages can showcase their talent on a pageant stage has returned in the form of the Prince and Princess Scholarship Pageant scheduled to be held on Saturday, (Dec. 10).
The pageant will be held under the theme ‘Dream Big and Live it’ at Carnival Village and will feature a total of 13 primary schools.
The schools participating in the pageant are Irish Town Primary, Dr. William Connor Primary, Dean Glasford Primary, Estridge Primary, Sandy Point Primary, Bronte Welsh Primary, Saddlers Primary, Tyrell Williams Primary, Cayon Primary and Dieppe Bay Primary.
According to Lelia Julie Martin, one of the organizers of the event a group of individuals with a passion for pageantry, years of experience in pageant and event planning have come together to organize the event. Those individuals, Shirley Adams, Kerry Simmonds, Vincent Fough, Jason Challenger, Val Martin, Jocelyn Matthew, Cecilia Phipps, Scotty Hanley, Verdine Allen along with Martin saw the need for such event that has been on a hiatus for some time.
“For the past couple of years, it was realised that there was no such medium for primary school aged children to showcase their public speaking and performing talent skills as is allowed for teenagers and adult young ladies.
“Furthermore, it was felt that a scholarship based pageant would be a great motivator as not only the experience gained will assist them greatly in their academic achievements but the gifts received will be considered useful as they advance themselves scholastically,” said Lelia Julie Martin.
Martin said that pageantry provides the opportunity for youngsters to establish new friendships, strengthen their character, demonstrate full understanding of fair play in competitions, develop their public speaking skills, display their talents and become positive role models.
She said with the pageant it is their intention to provide scholarships of various types - uniform scholarships, assistance to attain school and personal items and tools to enhance their technological skills.
Martin said that the show is heavily dependent on not only the gate receipts which will be used for the most part to get some of the above mentioned items but on the support of the corporate community or even individuals who are about the youth.
Making the event an annual one is also one of their aims.
“The overall support has not been what was expected. Up to recently, we had absolutely no contribution in cash from anyone but we were determined to let the youngsters have their time to shine and so some of us decided for pass on Christmas gifts this year and use our personal funds to stage this pageant which in its simplest form can run close to $20,000.
“We believe in youth power and we are convinced that it will be of great benefit not only to the young contestants but it will bring great joy and pride to the participating schools, nearby communities and the country as a whole.
Several companies have come on board to sponsor the pageant including Sun Island Clothes, The National Carnival Committee, LIME, F. Abourizk, Ashburry’s, O.D Brisbane, The Craft House, TDC, Plush Accessories, Carib Brewery, Premier Planners, The Craft House, Chef’s Garden, Sensational, Harpers, Caribelle Batik, S. L Horsfords, Builders Paradise, S L Stage Lighting, Rams Duty Free, St. Kitts Credit Union and Laws Bookstore.
“We are extremely grateful for the assistance given in these challenging economic times. Clearly, they are in full support of events like these which will mould our youngsters into fine citizens. However, if there is anyone interested in contributing they may contact us at sknpageants@hotmail.com
The show will begin at 5:00 p.m. and the contestant’s will compete in Promotional Speech, Performing Talent and Youthful Formal Wear.
