THE TEENage team was made proud last Saturday night, when our very own Co-Lifestyles Co-ordinator, Kimberley Sherlock took home the Miss Global International Jamaica crown.

Held at the Grande Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa Theatre, the coronation show, though off to a late start, began with a mind-blowing opening number by the 18 finalists. Decked in dresses by Mushroom Designs, the girls wowed the crowd, leaving them with an insatiable thirst for what was to come.

The audience was officially welcomed by human resource manager of the Grand Palladium, Radcliff Junior Wilson, who was followed by chairman of the pageant, Lachu Ramchandani who gave the opening remarks, and tourism consultant Godfrey Dyer, who read a message from the Office of the Governor General. During the opening ceremony, the audience was also treated to a Latin-inspired dance piece by the Palladium Dancers.

Antonette Jones, Miss SoftSheen-Carson; the beautiful and energetic Salema Wyatt, Miss Caliente Beach Bar and Grill; and Shanae King, Miss Seawind Resort, the three contestants, who won top three at Friday night’s talent segment of the competition, were then given a chance to showcase their pieces. Both Jones and Wyatt chose to express themselves in dance, while King did a monologue entitled Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelo.

In the end crowd-favourite Salema Wyatt, won the best talent award which included lunch for two at the Caliente Beach Bar and Grill and a Dolphin Cove day pass.

Following the talent segment was evening wear. The contestants sashayed across the stage in dresses provided by CC’s dressing room; and though the dresses came in varied styles, they were slightly disappointing for a pageant of this kind.

The 18 gorgeous ladies were soon whittled down to eleven, and then further narrowed down to five. As the names of the top five were called, each girl was asked her pagent question.

The all male group Soul for Soul then gave a soothing performance, relaxing the audience and helping them to transition while the judges diliberated on the finalists. Before the judges announced their decision, last year’s winner, Sherene Sterling took her final walk.

The winners of the sectional prizes were announced first. Narakay Powell, Miss Sunset Beach Resort won the Best figure award, and a weekend for two at the Beachcomber Club Resort. The Philanthropists award went to Catherine Rose, Miss Rainbow Souvenirs who also received a weekend for two at the Seawind Negril Resort. The Miss Congeniality award went to the very aware, very gracious Kimberley Sherlock, who wore the sash www.organocoffeeshop.com. Accompanying her award was a weekend for two at the Dunns Villa Resort and the Iberia Star Resort and Spa.

Miss Global International Jamaica second runner-up went to Sasha Hasse, Miss Grand Palladium Resort and Spa. She received a cash prize valued at $10,000, a weekend for two at Riu Montego Bay and Dinner for two at Carlos Cafe.

First runner-up went to Cristol Wilson, Miss Knutsford Express, who won along with her title a cash prize valued at $20,000, a weekend for two at the Hilton Rosehall, jewellery courtesy of Rainbow Jewellers, dinner for two at the Carlos Café and a tour of the Outameni Experience.

Miss Global Jamaica 2011 went to the lady with the full package, and our very own TEENager Kimberley Sherlock. Along with a cash prize valued at $50,000, Sherlock is also the recipient of a Queen’s Wardrobe valued at over $US5,000 from CC’s Dressing Room leading up to the international finals, and the opportunity to represent Jamaica in the international pageant on September 24, 2011 right here at home, among other prizes.

“Winning a pageant plus graduating this year is an overwhelming feeling. I mean, all my life I have said to myself that I need to accomplish something major, and here is my moment.” The newly crowned Miss Global Jamaica and soon-to-be graduate of the University of Technology told TEENage a few minutes after being named the winner.