Henry, Ramsay come out on top at Daryll Jordan pageant

THE immaculate hall of the rural Daryll Jordan Secondary School was the backdrop for their 2018 pageant ‘I am Light – Illumination’. At the end of an action-packed night, statuesque six-foot beauty Rajonna Ramsay was a clear-cut winner in the female category, while Javan Henry was triumphant in the males.

Ramsay was simply stunning and was a front-runner in all of the categories. She was awarded Best Overall Talent with a dramatic piece ‘Hidden’, which addressed the impact of social media on self-image. Her magnificent emerald green, floor length, Lester Welch-designed gown fit her to perfection, displaying her slender frame. When she nailed the answer in the interview segment, it was cemented in the minds of all in attendance that she had deservingly clinched the title.

Full-figured beauty Dana Brome, who placed second, exuded confidence throughout the entire night, winning Best Stage Presence. She was absolutely stunning in her vibrant red Lester Welch creation in the formal wear. Her eloquent response in the interview segment gained her top honours in that category.

The female competition was extremely close and the diminutive Nekaybaw Smith placed third. Despite her small stature, she commanded attention every time she emerged on stage. Her rendition of Alicia Keys ‘Girl on Fire’ on steel pan was also strong, while strutting her African inspired casual wear in her self-assured style copped her the Best Casual Wear accolade. She also won the prizes for Miss Congeniality and Miss Social Media.

Newly crowned king Javan Henry’s untraditional approach in his talent segment would have gained him some additional points. His dance to Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’, which included his iconic moonwalk, would have made the late ‘King of Pop’ proud. Henry was dashing in his striking white blazer that made his formal wear ensemble pop. This won him the title of Best Formal Wear. He was also triumphant in Best Question and Answer, Casual Wear and Best Stage Presence categories.

Dario King was also a standout in the Best Formal Wear category, donning a rich blue suit accentuated with embroidery. He was announced as first runner-up amongst the males. Micah Jordan also deserves to be highlighted for his Prince Charming-inspired, Lester Welch-designed outfit. The fact that it did not conform to the traditional ideal made it more memorable. He was also voted Most Improved and Mr. Social Media. Israel Holford was the second runner-up in the males, he also won Mr. Congeniality. His talent, like Jordan, was showcasing his skills on the piano.

Other contestants included Zaria Griffith, who also was solid in all of the categories and Jovanna Gustave who caught the audience’s attention with her unique Pauline Bellamy-designed outfit.

Unfortunately, the interview segment almost always proves difficult for some participants, since nerves seem to get the better of them. This was the case with Resheena King, who stumbled in her response. Though she was on the right track with a good response, she lost her footing but with the support of the audience, she was eventually able to regain her composure. Her perseverance might have been a contributing factor in why she gained the Most Improved title.

Guest performers included student of the school, Reemar Butcher, showing off his physique which gained him the title of Mr. School Boy. The sweet singing duo Elements from the Coleridge and Parry School was impressive. Patrons were treated to a performance by the recently crowned Mr. Parkinson Secondary School, Weslon Samuel, who was also impressive. DJ Indian and Chris Gayle kept the after-party hyped. (ST)