Nickiesha Pierre, IHS a notch above the rest

If Nickiesha Pierre didn’t get the judges’ nod last Saturday at the Miss SVG Teen Model show, they would have needed their eyes urgently examined.

The contest was a clear mismatch. The 17-year-old form four student of Intermediate High School was clearly the winner of the Angenella Young and Le Andre Modeling Agency organized show.{{more}}

This was clear once she made her appearance on the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex stage to do her cheerleading/dancing routine, the first of the three segments being judged.

What came before lacked imagination and excitement until she injected the life into the show.

Nine delegates including a first time entry from the Grenadines, Kenita King from the Bequia Community High School competed in this the fourth staging of what has become an annual show.

Among the guest performances were “Go down low” girl Zolah, Alla-G and Fireman Hooper, who was still telling people to “Bring anything in the band”.

Several dance groups also graced the stage during the breaks in the competition, including the very energetic, all girl group, Xtatic.

While all the young ladies tried very hard, again the promotional speech category proved to be very disappointing.

Last year, show organizer Angenella Young had told SEARCHLIGHT that it was the atmosphere of competition and not a lack of preparation that hindered the girls in that segment – and so it was this year again.

This year’s speech promoted St Vincent and the Grenadines’ culture including Drama in SVG, Riverside Cook, J’Ouvert, Wake and 40 days, and Dance in our culture. If you got pass the many “oops” and “ahhs” and hands placed against the mouth in forgetfulness, there was much to be learnt.

Pierre, who told SEARCHLIGHT after, that she was confident all the way and plans to enter the Miss SVG pageant in the future, was again the clear winner with her portrayal of “Dance in our Culture.”

Zonel Browne of J.P Eustace Secondary copped the 1st runner up prize and Best Prom-wear. Tish Mc Coy of North Union Secondary was 2nd runner up.

The radiant Pierre, walked away with a mobile hand set courtesy Cable and Wireless with $100 credit, one year books and a uniform scholarship to either the Community or Technical College, and a scholarship to Ricky’s Swimming School.

The Intermediate High School will also receive $500 for Pierre’s achievement.

Second and third place will receive $250 and $150 respectively, both the contestants and their school.