Oftentimes we hear that there is at least one Jamaican in every other country in the world. Therefore it comes as no surprise when we are represented everywhere. What makes this representation more pleasurable is when it is young Jamaicans, who continue to positively represent and impact upon the Jamaican culture while making strides as socially competent individuals. Such is the case for the contestants of the Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant. This annual pageant is hosted by The Partners for Youth Foundation in association with Anthony Baker Incorporated (ABI). The Partners for Youth Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to the enhancement and advancement of young women locally and internationally. Interestingly, this event is an annual fundraiser held to facilitate donations to orphanages, hospitals and other charitable organisations also in Jamaica.

Last year’s event marked the 20th year of competition for Jamaican-affiliated ladies of Florida who compete in four age categories; Miss Jamaica Florida, Junior Miss Jamaica Florida, Miss Teen Jamaica Florida and Little Miss Jamaica Florida. Last year’s proceeds were in aid of the National Children’s Home.

So here are the ladies who on the penultimate leg of their reign made the journey to “land of wood and water”. Meet Deianeira Hoffenden: Little Miss Jamaica Florida, Diana Tater-Bell: Junior Miss Jamaica Florida, Courtney Howe: Miss Teen Jamaica Florida and Tracey Henry: Miss Jamaica Florida. These four intelligent young ladies have successfully secured the crown for the 2009 title in their respective categories.

Little Miss Jamaica Florida

TEENage: What is your name and your age?

DH: Deianeira Hoffenden and I am nine years old.

TEENage: What are your hobbies?

DH: Reading, hanging with friends, watching television, playing with my little brother.

TEENage: How did you learn about the competition?

DH: My mother told me about it and then we went on the internet and did further research.

TEENage: What are your future aspirations?

DH: I would like to become a neurosurgeon.

TEENage: How was the grooming process?

DH: Well we learnt to walk, be confident and answer questions appropriately.

TEENage: How is the feeling being Little Miss Jamaica Florida?

DH: Well it was wonderful, really fun.

TEENage: What advice do you have for future contestants?

DH: Have fun, try your best and never do less than you must to achieve what you want.

Junior Miss Jamaica Florida

TEENage: What is your name and your age?

DT: Diana Tater-Bell. I’m 12 years old.

TEENage: What are your hobbies?

DT: Watching television, going on the computer…the usual stuff.

TEENage: How did you learn about the competition?

DT: My friend entered last year and won so I wanted to give it a try as well.

TEENage: What was your reason for entering the competition?

DT: I wanted to try something new.

TEENage: What are your future aspirations?

DT: I’m interested in becoming a paediatrician.

TEENage: How has your reign been?

DT: Well my reign was great.

TEENage: What advice do you have for future contestants?

DT: Be self-motivated and you will achieve all you set out for.

Miss Teen Jamaica Florida

TEENage: What is your name and your age?

CH: Courtney Howe. I’m 17 years old.

TEENage: What are your hobbies?

CH: I love music and drama and I enjoy socialising.

TEENage: What was your reason for entering the competition?

CH: My mother found out about it through a friend, we researched it, and honestly, I fell in love with the idea.

TEENage: What are your future aspirations?

CH: I’m interested in becoming a director; I plan to study music in college, learn how to compose music as well as better my singing.

TEENage: How has the support been during the competition?

CH: The support I received was great; my aunt even provided the sponsorship for me to enter the competition.

TEENage: What are your thoughts on the competition?

CH: I love it; the pageant focuses on personal development and not merely beauty or talent. It had a life-changing effect on me.

Miss Jamaica Florida

TEENage: What is your name and your age?

TH: Tracey Henry and I am 22 years old.

TEENage: What are your hobbies?

TH: Wow, well I am very active; I love swimming and playing volleyball.

TEENage: What was your reason for entering the competition?

TH: Well this was actually my second year in the pageant; losing last year motivated me to make a second attempt.

TEENage: How did you learn about the competition?

TH: I learnt about the competition though church.

TEENage: What are your future aspirations?

TH: Well I’m not sure about the future but I’m a licensed cosmetologist, teller and pre-school teacher. I have a passion for children though so I may settle there.

TEENage: How was the support during the competition?

TH: The support was great; my church was behind me 100%.

TEENage: What did your reign entail?

TH: Well I had to be a judge in a couple other pageants; I also had to promote the competition and represent the pageant at a jerk festival among other things.

TEENage: What are your thoughts on the competition?

TH: It empowers you as an individual and instils a lot of self-confidence. It also teaches you to be a positive role model to others.

TEENage: What advice do you have for future contestants?

TH: Never give up; look at me, I got through on my second try. Always be self-motivated, it can help you to overcome a lot.