RECENTLY, the ballroom of the Wyndham Kingston was all dolled up with the 2011 finalists of Miss TEEN Jamaica World, their supporters, sponsors and, of course, TEENage.

The 18 finalists — (in no particular order) Brittany Bird, Royanne Desilva, Jannell Sommerville, Shamara Duncan, Celia Weise, Paige Palmer, Tanika Smith, Shanice Staur Watson, Dadriel Bent, Jheanell Lindo, Taleon Minto, Danielle Taylor, Kris-Ann Higgins, Tiffany Guthrie, Venessa Waugh, Shanique Hall, Davia Gordon and Taieke Haughton — were excited as they were formally presented to the public, and sashed in their little black dresses and complimenting silver heels.

Hailing from various parts of the island, each girl was given the chance to not only pose for the cameras but also to be sashed by their sponsors, and to introduce themselves telling their name, age, school and their number one goal in life.

After their formal introductions, the girls were given the chance to ‘work the room’ giving the invited guests a chance to get to know each contestant a bit more. Speaking to some of the girls, TEENage was told of their excitement, nervousness, and of course how proud they were to have a chance to represent Jamaica.

The girls will work on charity events, go through pageant training, pose for photo shoots and make various appearances leading up to the final coronation on July 9 at the Grande Palladium Resort in Lucea.

TEENage Observer wishes all the best to the 2011 finalists and will be sure to keep you posted on the happenings leading up to the coronation.

— Kimberley Sherlock