Morant Bay’s finest showcase their talent

In an exciting showcase of talent and knowledge and love for their school, communities and parish, 13 eager contestants vied to be a part of the coveted group titled Morant Bay High School’s (MBHS) Finest 2019 held last Saturday on the institution’s compound in St Thomas.

Though congenial, the competition has made a name for itself in the area and is highly anticipated by students each year.

One of the organisers, Claudia Johnson, who is a business facilitator at the school told The Gleaner that the pageant started back in 2014 as a management of business project.

“Over the years, successive principals have allowed me to plan the event each year. We use it as a tool to prepare our students for business endeavour. We are the top school in region two and one of the premier schools in Jamaica. Academic success must be paired with other levels of preparation. This is just another tool,” Johnson told The Gleaner.

She added: “It is different from other high school competition as we find new ways each year for the students to showcase St Thomas. In order to win you must know the history of the parish and not just surface information. They are required to showcase their communities and find ways to express love of their school,” she said, adding that even the judges are specially selected based on their contribution to and passion for St Thomas.”

Johnson spoke also of the distinguished team which she was privy to work with on the planning of the annual pageant.

According to her, “Each year at the third week in January, I build a team made up of dedicated persons from within the school who are skilled in different areas. These persons are the backbone of the production. The students are taken through a training process each day. It was very challenging at times as they still had to attend every class even those at MBHS Finest practice times. Everything is done within a six weeks period.”

The production reflected the level of planning put into it and contestants wasted no time in flaunting their preparedness.

And when all they had carried was left on the stage, from French introductions to comedic yet informative performances, six contestants, three males and three females, were named among Morant Bay High School’s Finest.

Nakailii Ottey secured the crown for male finest among first and second runners-up Matthew Hamilton and Thorn Brooks.

“I approached the competition with an open mindset. Not one in which that was solely set to win, but one to take criticism as a means for growth and the hope of finding synergy with others in their accomplishments. I also approached the competition to interact with different members of my school community from different socio-economic backgrounds,” said Ottey, who added that as the reigning ‘King’, he plans to empower students who are afraid to speak up or are voiceless whether at homes or school.

The females, who admittedly had to fight a little harder to safeguard a spot in the top three all breathed a sigh of relief while being crowned and sashed with second and third place winners Janiel Sutherland and Ashanti Steward and MBHS Finest Jannesha Young.

Beautified by confidence and contoured by the grace and favour of God, Young strutted the stage at each appearance as if she was the only woman in the world.

The fifth former admitted that she entered the competition only for the pageant experience, but soon started to really like the feeling of it.

“I wanted to end my years at high school with something big. I wanted to participate in as much activities as I can that would put me in a position of getting scholarships or other financial help should I move up in education. I really didn’t think I would have won but I know God has not given me a spirit of fear.When I heard I wasn’t surprised that much because God had favour on my life and I have worked very hard to achieve this. I always say put God first and blessings will follow you,” Young told The Gleaner.

She added: “I ensured that in everything I mentioned God in it, I would not have done it without His help.”

And now that I’m MBHS Finest, I plan to represent my school with pride and dignity and encourage others that anything is achievable through Christ and dedication and also if we believe in ourselves,” she said.

Young, who was probably the only female who wasn’t wearing make-up during the pageant told The Gleaner that it was her choice.

According to her, “I’m naturally beautiful and no make-up can make me look more beautiful than I am. I am separate and set apart for a reason so I maintain this always.”