ON Saturday, November 10, contestants in the Miss Jamaica High School Queen Pageant showed the heart of volunteerism as they visited the Bethlehem House in downtown, Kingston — one of the many children's homes operated by Missionaries of the Poor headed by Father Richard HoLung.

The contestants, who are from high schools across Jamaica, were greeted and briefed by Brother Jimmy, who is in charge of Bethlehem House. He explained that the kids at Bethlehem House are disabled and have been abandoned by their parents.

The ladies spent two hours playing, feeding and interacting with the boys and girls at the home. The experience was a life-changing one for most of the contestants who expressed how more blessed and thankful they have become for life.

The Miss Jamaica High School Queen Pageant is the first of its kind geared towards high school girls 13-17. The revolutionary pageant emphasises volunteerism, social development, decorum, talent and empowerment much more the beauty factor. The finals are scheduled for Saturday, December 1 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston.