Ciara Dowden, 16, of West Demerara Secondary School displayed poise and fluency to forge ahead of 15 of her peers and secure the 2024 Miss Guyana Teen Scholar title on Saturday evening at the National Cultural Centre.
According to a press release from The Imperial House (TIH) which runs the pageant, 15-year-old Makada Critchlow of Morgan’s Learning Centre was named first runner-up and Shaina Belgrave, 18, who attends the Carnegie School of Home Economics, claimed the second runner-up position.
It noted that the 16 teenagers were required to showcase evening wear, talent, ballroom dancing abilities, and intellect. It was Dowden’s response to the final question, ‘How can providing equal opportunities for young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background or community, influence the future of our society?’ that ultimately won her the crown, the release said.
According to TIH, she articulated that equal opportunities foster fairness and create a level playing field for all youth, which positively affects governance and societal structures. She emphasized the importance of gender equality, asserting that everyone deserves equal opportunities and that society must reject gender biases and discrimination.
As the new Miss Guyana Teen Scholar, Dowden, who also won the Best Evening Wear Presentation award, will receive a $500,000 scholarship to cover academic-related expenses over the next two years. The release said she will receive a return ticket to Trinidad or Barbados, courtesy of Muneshwer’s Travel Agency, along with an outfit and styling from Naked Hangers, a spa treatment from Kavita’s Signature Cuts, and a medical checkup provided by Max Hanoman’s Medical Centre.
During her reign, the teen queen will be tasked with inspiring young people to pursue education and careers, contribute positively to their communities, and support national development. She will manage a community development fund alongside her court to help realize her ambitions.
The release said other teens were awarded: Gabriella Gravesande for Best Talent, Ciara Hazel for the Committee Award for Resilience, Kristel Smith for Miss Congeniality, Tolisa Lachhman for Miss Photogenic, Makada Critchlow for Best Speaker (Elocution) and Best Social Enterprise Presentation, while Akira Watson was the People’s Choice. Course scholarships from ActionInvest Caribbean and Cerulean Inc will also be awarded to the runners-up, the People’s Choice awardee, and the Step Up! Champion, who will lead a complimentary programme for young men. This year’s Step Up! Champion is Jose Roberts.
The Miss Guyana Teen Scholar pageant, the only scholarship programme of its kind in the Caribbean, is held annually in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and is supported by key partnerships from Corporate Guyana focused on gender and education development.
