SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Shenelle Gardner walked away with the Miss Jamaica Caribbean Talented Teen 2014 crown on August 23, 2014, defeating 25 other hopefuls at the Grand Coronation Show held at The Queen’s School. Shenelle beamed with pride as outgoing queen Josselle Fisher placed the crown on her head.

The event was hosted by Roneisha James and Shannon-Dale Reid. The pageant got off to a colourful start with a performance by all the contestants who danced to a medley of songs depicting a jazz theme.

Thereafter all the contestants performed in groups showing a variety of talents including song, dance, and dub poetry.

Following the group performances, the top performers from the previously held talent competition performed their individual talent pieces.

After a brief intermission the contestants paraded in evening wear showcasing their beautiful evening gowns.

Each contestant later received a gift basket from Carimed Ltd and Curves as a prize for their participation in the pageant.

After the presentation of the gift baskets the top 15 finalists were announced. Immediately afterwards, the top 11 finalists, which included the winner of the People’s Choice Competition Cesone Clemmings (Miss Skittles), were announced and moved on to the interview competition.

The other 10 finalists who earned a spot in this segment were: Breana Buchanan (Miss Sunvacation); Jasmine Barnes (Miss Stroll Property Services); Oshanafe Riley (Miss Tropical Court Montego Bay); Jessica Riley (Miss Antonio’s); Akeena Henry (Miss Singer); Kashena Harris (Miss Theatre Place); Quickore Bennett (Miss UTech); Shenelle Gardner (Miss Suncity 104.9 FM); Cesone Clemings (Miss Skittles); Sonyia Mendez (Miss Orbit Sugar Free Gum); and Jhanille Malcolm (Miss Palace Amusement). The top 10 finalists each received a gift package from Clean & Clear, while the People’s Choice winner received a trophy from Cherubs Nursery and Educational Centre.

Following the interview segment was the announcement of the sectional prizes which were as follows: Most Congenial: Breanna Buchanan (Miss Sunvacation); Most Disciplined: Kerry Ann Jensen (Miss Teen Expo); Most Involved: Breanna Buchannon (Miss Sunvacation); Most Aware: Sonyia Medez (Miss Orbit Sugar Free Gum); and Best Group Performance: Quickore Bennett (Miss UTech), Shenelle Gardner (Miss Suncity Radio 104.9) and Shamoy Constantine (Miss MaxMar Graphics and Office Supplies).

The top three winners of the ‘talent competition’ were: first place Shenelle Gardner (Miss Suncity Radio 104.9), second Place Quickore Bennett (Miss UTech), third place Kashena Harris (Miss Theatre Place).

While the judges deliberated the top five winners, patrons were entertained by a medley of Etana and Ikaya songs by Aba Sykes, (Miss Jamaica Caribbean Talented Teen 2011).

The top five winners were later announced and the winners were: first place Shenelle Gardner (Miss Suncity Radio 104.9), second place Sonyia Mendez (Miss Orbit Sugar Free Gum), third place Quickore Bennett (Miss UTech), fourth place Cesone Clemmings (Miss Skittles), fifth place Jhanille Malcolm (Miss Palace Amusement).

Prizes for the top five include cash, gift vouchers from Dolphin Cove and Mystic Mountain, gift baskets from Jamaica Producers, Empire Supermarket, Wisynco, Black Opal Cosmetics, Jamaica Biscuit Company, SoftSheen Carson World Brand Services along with a flat screen television from Singer, a laptop computer from Royale Computers, a tablet from Promotional Links Industries and the main trophy from the KSAC.

The event was organised by Promotional Links Industries.