Leeonney cops 2012 Miss Unity Youth crown

Despite having to brave chilly gusts of wind and perform on a stage soaked from heavy downpours of rain, Leeonney Bentick was able to overcome the obstacles to be crowned Miss Unity Youth 2012.{{more}}

Held annually and organized by the Youth Arm of the ruling Unity Labour Party, this year’s pageant was held at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

The show, which attracted a fairly large crowd, started one and a half hours late because of the rain. However, the wait was worth the while as patrons were treated to an evening of entertainment, beauty and charisma by the twelve contestants and the other guest performers.

Sponsored by Pizza Hut, Miss South Central Windward, Leeonney Bentick outshone her eleven other competitors, winning three of the seven categories and receiving the judges’ nod several minutes past midnight, to win the coveted title.

Appearing before a very receptive crowd, the young women appeared in sportswear, evening wear and also did a talent presentation. The contestants were interviewed during the evening wear segment.

As though they had seen the judge’s decision before the announcement, the crowd was already shouting cheers of “Victory for Leeonney” while awaiting the final announcement.

Before the announcement of the winner, all the contestants were presented with a trophy along with a bouquet of flowers.

First Runner-Up was Karla Gellizeau, Miss West Kingstown, sponsored by Kendra’s Aluminium. Shackel Bobb, Miss Marriaqua, sponsored by The Beauty Shack had to settle for Second Runner-Up while Third Runner-Up went to 15-year-old Solange Fernandez, Miss South Windward, sponsored by Island Essentials.

Solange Fernandez was judged People’s Choice. Miss Photogenic went to Shackel Bobb and Miss Congeniality was Joleen Cato. Leeonney Bentick took the titles of Miss Sportswear, Best Talent and Best Eveningwear. The Best Interview title went to Karla Gellizeau.

Following the pageant, Leeonney told SEARCHLIGHT that her hard work had paid off and she was overwhelmed and excited to have won the crown.

“I know that I put my best foot forward in everything, so it wasn’t that much of a surprise to me,” Miss Unity Youth 2012 said.

The Community College student also noted that preparations were very hectic, as she is presently writing her final year exams and had to exercise time management.

“So, it was a bit hectic for me, but my hard work paid off…,” she added.

Bubbling with confidence following her win, Leeonney revealed that she will now focus on competing in the upcoming Miss P’tani pageant and next year, “hopefully the Miss SVG pageant.”

Leeonney received a gift package valued EC$3,500. Included in the package are: a cash prize of $500, an IPod2, a trophy, a watch, a bath and body set, makeup, a nail polish set and a MP5-MP6 player.

As part of the entertainment package for the evening, patrons were entertained by performances by 2011

Ragga Soca Monarch Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams, Troublous, as

well as a dance presentation by a group of your lads who call themselves Ground Breakers.

Among the gathering at Saturday night’s pageant were: Deputy Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel; Minister of Culture Cecil McKie; Minister of National Mobilization Frederick Stephenson and Minister of Transport and Works Julian Francis.

Some persons who attended the event expressed satisfaction with the night’s proceedings and also noted that they were happy with the results.