Eleven girls, ages seven to 12, will compete in the inaugural staging of Mini Miss St. Thomas Heritage Competition this Saturday, June 28, at Morant Bay High School.

Vying for the crown and a slate of attractive prizes are Breanna Gayle, Rochelle Moore, Gabriel Gordon, Tamika Houslin, Ashley Ford, Ashleya Patterson, Regina Dailey, Shanoya Powell, Janika Johnson, Annorah Brown, and Damisi Wiles.

They represent Lyssons Primary, Port Morant Primary and Junior High, Morant Bay Primary, Yallahs Primary, Spring Garden Primary and Infant, and White Horses primary and infant schools.

The winner will go on to represent the parish in the Mini Miss Jamaica Heritage Queen Competition.

Miss St Thomas Festival Queen 2024 Stephena Edwards, for her part, said that the aim of the competition is to preserve and promote Jamaica’s heritage, culture, and identity among its youth.

“The competition is designed as an early training platform to expose young girls to the importance of pageantry, cultural pride and leadership,” she said.

Edwards informed that the contestants will be judged on cultural awareness, walk and poise, talent, involvement in community and school, and general knowledge.

In the build-up to Saturday’s crowning moment, the girls have been participating in several activities, including a visit to the old Morant Bay Courthouse, and they called on Mayor of Morant Bay Councillor Louis Chin.

They also worshipped at Calvary Missionary Church on Highbury Road, toured a model two-bedroom unit and beach property at the Sun Coast Beach Club, and were treated to ice cream.

The full prize package includes a $60,000 cash award, a trophy, and a school bag filled with school supplies courtesy of sponsor Purple Slush.

Each sectional winner will also receive $10,000 cash, a trophy courtesy of the sponsors, among other items.

Main sponsors of the competition include Sun Coast Beach Club, Total Web Multimedia Services Ja, Surrey Brunch, Central Ambulance Service, Reel Lyssons Podcast, Comprehensive Eyecare Limited, Double Scoops Restaurant and Ice-Cream Parlor, Deidrie’s Restaurant, Lounge and Catering Services, L & L Flowery Ja, 360 Lounge and Restaurant, and Mantel X Boutique.

The coronation show begins at 6:00 pm.