Sixteen-year-old Akeelah Andrew of Christ Church Secondary was the standout among 11 teenagers on Saturday last at the National Cultural Centre and thus won the Miss Guyana Teen Scholar 2023 title and crown.
The pageant comprised three segments following the introduction: talent, evening gown, and question and answer.
Andrew dazzled the audience and judges to win “Best Talent”, while her eloquence and grace earned her the award for “Best Speaker”.
The first runner-up was Adana Dorrick, 18, of Cummings Lodge Secon-dary School.
Kristie Rambharat, 17, of Uitvlugt Secondary School was the second runner-up, and also won the prize for “Best Evening Gown” with her beautifully designed multicoloured dress.
As the night came to a close, it was evident that the Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant 2023 had succeeded in celebrating not only beauty but also talent, intellect, and charisma.
Andrew, who now stands as an inspiration for young women across Guyana, walked away with a scholarship, a fund to develop her community project, a trip to Barbados or Trinidad as well as other consolation prizes.
The other contestants were 16-year-old Jasadia Assanah of Annandale Secondary; 18-year-old Nabiha Ali-Khan of School of the Nations; 18-year-old Danisha Gonsalves of Anna Regina Secondary; 18-year-old Kine Brasche of Cacique Accounting College; 18-year-old Trafiona Peters of the University of Guyana; 16-year-old Marissa Beete of Richard Ishmael Secon-dary; 15-year-old Shenaed Fordyce of Queen’s College; and 13-year-old Breann Ritchie of North Georgetown Secondary.
The judges were Soyini Fraser, Dexter Gardener, Natasha Thomas, Amel Griffith and Lindell Black.
