JANIELLE Lyn emerged the winner of the Miss TEEN Jamaica contest produced by J'Sin Promotions, on Sunday July 22 at the Wyndham Hotel.

Peta-Gaye Morris lead the anxious audience through the night's festivities.

From presenting tributes dedicated to outstanding Jamaicans, to parading in tasteful swimsuits, the ladies wowed the audience. They also modelled evening wear and showcased their level of intelligence in a question-and-answer segment.

The whole contest promoted the idea of having beauty, brains and solid Christian values.

However, quite a few ladies were very nervous and it showed in their delivery. While paying tribute to a popular late entertainer, a contestant forgot her entire tribute. The audience recognised this and decided to cheer her on by singing one of the entertainer's hit tunes.

Another young lady also had a case of the nerves while paying tribute to the Prime Minister. The audience became quite aroused during the tributes to Marcus Garvey and Nanny of The Maroons. There were instances where a few of the ladies seemed under-rehearsed and reserved. But many appeared confident and shone brightly as ever.

The night's ceremonies also included a series of displays by the contestants, a presentation to George Leslie 'Bunny' Grant (a former Jamaican boxer), and a few musical performances.

The younger members of the audience were really enthused by Specialist's performance. He had them grooving to hits like Street Hustle and Gyallis Anthem.

Meanwhile, Althea Hewitt sang to the hearts of the more mature members, fans and friends alike. She had the audience collectively swaying and singing along to Tina Turner's hit Simply The Best along with some other old favourites.

The Untouchable Squad dance group had the audience members moving in their seats.

After all of this excitement, the winner was declared to be Janielle Lyn.

The 17-year-old, is a student at The Glenmuir High School and is an aspiring commercial pilot. Her role model is the former Miss Jamaica World and Universe Yendi Philipps, and her hobbies include: hiking, dancing, voluntary service and singing. Her greatest wish is for an undivided country whose citizens are able to work together for its improvement. However, her worst fear is that Jamaica would return to its state before emancipation.

Lyn was awarded with sectional prizes for the Most Intelligent, Most Talented and Most Aware.

She received:

* A $400,000 scholarship to attain an undergraduate degree at the University College of the Caribbean (UCC)

* A vacation to Florida or a trip to take part in an international TEEN contest

* Apparel courtesy of Peta-Gaye Foster-Morris

* The Chalcass Medals and Association Trophy

* A pair of gold earrings provided by American Jewellers

* A gift basket provided by Soft Sheen Carson Jamaica Ltd.

* A gift basket provided by Clean and Clear and Listerine

The runners-up were Jody-Ann Henry (first), Rennaé Davis (second), Shai-Ann Thompson (third) and Tyijah Dillon (fourth).

Lyn told TEENage that: "Right now I feel like a well-groomed young lady and I feel extremely confident. This competition has opened many doors for me. I am very grateful for the Miss TEEN Jamaica Contest."

Chief organiser of the pageant, Janett Sinclair from J'Sin Promotions said: "I feel justice has been served. I always knew that it would've been a hard competition, but there must be a winner. I love them all and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours."