Koriann wins Mini Miss Jamaica

Ten-year-old Santa Cruz Primary School student Koriann South was judged to be more impressive than 14 finalists when she emerged winner of the 2010-2011 Mini Miss Jamaica contest.

The competition, held at the Altamont Court Hotel in New Kingston on Sunday, saw South, whose ambition is to be a lawyer or an educator, winning a trip to Disney World.

South also won Most Intelligent, Most Talented, Best Out of Town Contestant (an award from Petcom, Portmore) and Best Christian Principles (a Holy Bible from Mrs Sharlene Frazer-McLean). She wore the sash Miss Sunset Resort and Villas (Treasure Beach).

First runner-up was Chelsey-Ann McGaw (Miss SPK Engineers), a nine-year-old student of Wolmer's Preparatory. Miss Dark & Lovely, 10-year-old St Catherine Preparatory student, Ashilianne Nelson, was second runner-up and was awarded the prize for being Most Disciplined.

Taebia Gayle (Miss Early Stimulation Programme), an eight-year-old student of Ascot Primary, was fourth while fifth place went to Jahzan McLaughlin (Miss Lasco), a nine-year-old Queen's Preparatory student, who received prizes for Best Personality and Most Congenial (a radio from Electro World Ltd).

The evening's proceedings started with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the contestants' first appearance. They wore red shorts, white T-shirts and Santa hats and each finalist sang the first verse of a popular Christmas carol.

Outstanding performance

Their next appearance was in gym wear where the finalists introduced themselves. As a budding gymnast, McLaughlin was delightful.

While the finalists prepared for the talent segment, the 'Boy Wonder' Aaron Lawrence Jr, violinist, gave an outstanding performance.

Approximately 8 p.m., it was time for the talent segment which saw the girls performing poetry, songs, dances, dramatic pieces and playing the piano. Some of the pieces were original.

The finalists next appeared in evening wear and showed off some classy dresses from their own wardrobe and from fashion houses like New Liguanea Fashions and Monica's.

Each contestant received a trophy (courtesy of Secret Whisper Transport) for participating in the contest.

Then came the intelligence segment where most did well. The questions ranged from career goals to Jamaican culture. South was the only contestant to answer all four questions.

The crowd was jubilant when the winner was announced. Little Koriann was outstanding from start to finish.

Chelsey-Ann Mcgaw, for being the Most Culturally Aware contestant, and Thanelle Williams, who received the Felicity Dillow trophy for being the youngest contestant, also earned sectional prizes.