Kathleen Smith (Miss Lawson’s Block Factory) an 18-year-old Ardenne High School student has won the 2016/17 Miss Teen Jamaica title.

Smith, who wants to do marketing and enjoys dancing and modelling, beat a field of 18 girls to win the 35th renewal of the contest, which will enable her to represent Jamaica at the Miss Teen International and Miss World Nations events at the global level. Miss World Nations will be held in China, April 15-30, and Miss Teen International will either be in Taiwan, Indonesia or Singapore, at a date and venue to be confirmed.

First runner-up is Talibah Simpson (Miss MVLS Entertainment) Miss MVLS Entertainment) a 16-year-old student of Knox College in Manchester, who aims to become a paediatrician.

She will compete with girls from 79 other countries in the Miss Global Charity Queen contest in Taipei, Taiwan, November 16-28.

Second runner-up is Kellian Younger, aged 17 of Merl Grove High School in Kingston. Mackeda Palmer (Miss GHK Motors), a 17-year-old student of the University of Technology (UTech), who aims to become an electrical engineer, is the third runner-up, while Rashida Jones (Miss Discount Lumber) an 18-year-old student of Glenmuir High in Clarendon, who wants to be a lawyer, is fifth.

Prizes for the winner included a $500,000-scholarship from the University College of the Caribbean (UCC) in Kingston, which has donated $1-million worth of scholarships to the contest annually to cover the first and second runners-up, as well.

Last year’s winner, Khadeen Johnson, in handing over the mantle, said that the title is one that can open doors of opportunity forever for young women.

“You must always try to be an outstanding member of society and use your talents to contribute and aid in the betterment of society and influence whoever you meet to strive for the best,” she said.

The contest was staged by J’Sin Promotions, headed by Peta Gaye Foster, her first engagement since taking over from her late mother, Janet Sinclair, who died last year.