Applications opened on Thursday last and young women aged 13 to 19 years old, interested in the Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant 2022, which offers a $400,000 prize, are invited to apply via the link on the Imperial House Facebook page. The application fee is $1,000.
Director Wasim Khan said he was excited about this year’s pageant being hosted in a physical setting. The inaugural pageant was held in 2019 but when COVID struck in 2020, instead of cancelling the pageant, the Imperial House replaced it with a digital university allowing for one of the contestants to win a cash grant as well ensuring automatic placement in the 2021 pageant quarterfinals. Last year, the preliminaries were hosted virtually and the contestants who scored the highest competed in the Question and Answer segment in a physical setting following strict COVID-19 protocols.
Wasim said he was happy that the pageant was still able to follow through with a scholarship programme and this was as a result of his hardworking team, which includes Khan’s wife Cindy and Jairo Rodrigues.
With COVID still very present, the Imperial House has designed this year’s programme so that contestants will have fewer in-person sessions. They will meet virtually twice a week and have physical sessions twice a week also.
In terms of the community project, contestants will be required to do research on what they are most passionate about then write an essay on how they wish to contribute to a community using this passion, instead of venturing into communities.
Applications are expected to remain open until June 18. Reviewing and shortlisting of candidates will be done from June 19 to July 1. Following this, candidates are required to undergo interviews on July 2 and 3. Those who do so successfully will be registered between July 4 to 8 and attend an orientation on July 9, when training officially begins.
For previous pageants, Paul Charles was the designated trainer, but he is unable to fulfil the role this year. Training will be done instead by Miss Talented Teen 2016 Aliya Wong and Joshua Percival.
A third-degree Dan Black Belt, Aliya won the Bikini Category in the 2021 Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition put on by the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF). Wasim pointed out that because of Wong’s determination and discipline, she shines in whatever she does which makes her fit for the role she has been assigned.
Joshua will be more focused on the opening and ballroom dances, Wasim said, enthusing that he has a reputation for producing fine results in this respect.
Once the contestants have been shortlisted and registered for the pageant, Wasim said, they will receive letters from the Imperial House that allow them to seek sponsorship. He said the letters will break down the overall costs including transportation for 25 days (18 training sessions, the sashing ceremony, two photoshoots, preliminary events and the pageant night), as well as attire for evening wear, ballroom dance gown, and talent presentation. The Imperial House supplies the sashing ceremony dresses.
While attire is important, it is not the most vital for a win, as the Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship pageant is more about the contestants’ performance and their stage presence.
Wasim shared that through the pageant and the digital university they have been able to contribute to the studies of several young ladies. The Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant’s first queen Divya Singh is currently pursuing a law degree, winner of the 2020’s Digital University Kriston Smith is in sixth form at the Bishops’ High while last year’s queen Shequana Holder who is an employee with the Ministry of Health is preparing to pursue studies also.
The pageant director shared that the Imperial House’s team also delights in the accomplishments acquired by those who work behind the scenes. “We believe in not only building our candidates but our team also,” Wasim said. “Feliz Robertson went on to do her degree in marketing. Jairo is pursuing studies in England but has been very much involved in our plans through virtual meetings, and Cindy who has her online store, will be looking to have a physical location for the store soon.”
He noted that they have had the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for previous events and hope that the ministry continues to see the value of the scholarship programme. If all goes well, coronation night will be hosted at the National Cultural Centre. He added that the Imperial House team is looking at September 3 for the pageant date but that is tentative for now.
Wasim also invited corporate Guyana to get on board and be part of a programme that helps young women achieve higher heights. Currently on board are Ultra Care Medical Centre, 55 Photography, Branderz and Professional Guard Services.
The application fee can be paid via MMG, at the bank or via a separate location. For more details would-be contestants should visit the Imperial House’s Facebook page.
Cover photo:
Photographer Asim Victor
Editor:
Oluatoyin Alleyne-Williams
Contributors:
Cynthia Nelson, Joanna Dhanraj,
Sharda Bacchus and Ashma John
