Seventeen-year-old Sharona Haniff of Mandela Avenue, Georgetown outshone her nine rivals to be crowned Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2011 when the pageant was hosted at the National Cultural Centre last Saturday night.
Sharona Haniff with other delegates shortly after she was crowned Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2011
The new queen was crowned in the wee hours of Sunday morning to the satisfaction of those in attendance. The former St John’s College student who is presently pursuing a career in accounting at the Cacique Educational Institution also copped the Miss Congeniality Prize.
Copping the first runner-up spot was Natasha Goodridge, followed by Zineoby Ward in second, while the third runner-up place went to Kimberly Charles and the fourth to Jennel Lovell. Other special prizes included Best Gown which went to Kimberly Charles; the gown was designed by Randy Madray.
Miss Charity Minded was awarded to Ashana Powers and Jennel Lovell. Miss Photogenic and the Best Smile prizes were awarded to Kaleda Crandon; the Most Disciplined award went to Shyon Hoppy and Natasha Goodridge was adjudged Miss Steadfastness.
The best creative wear and oral presentation prizes were awarded to Kimberly Charles, who sported a creative wear, depicting the future as the world evolves.
In her oral presentation, she focused on former Miss Jaycee International, Melissa Payne.
Despite some challenges in this segment of the competition with respect to sounds and tracks which could not have been located, Zineoby Ward walked away with the special prize of Best Talent.
The pageant got underway with a dance sequence performed by the 10 contestants which was followed by the introductory segment, then the creative wear segment with the talent segment following immediately after, and finally, the evening wear segment. The final five contestants were selected after the scores were tallied.
Haniff was not the crowd’s favourite at the beginning of the contest. During her introduction, she stuttered which definitely took away some points, but her next appearance on stage left the crowd speechless as she emerged on stage with a splendid white and shimmery outfit as her creative wear, depicting the waterways of Guyana. Her outfit was designed by Neilson Nurse.
In this segment, each of the 10 contestants was mandated, with the help of a designer, to formulate a special creative piece using the colours of the Golden Arrowhead. Haniff also had the crowd “crackingup” with laughter with her presentation on an African Guyanese as her role model and one who has made Guyana proud. Her presentation was based on the life and work of popular theatrical actor, Keith Andre Subrain.
Haniff, who hopes one day to become a super model and designer, sang a medley as her talent piece comprising of bhagan, R& B and reggae. The piece represented the diverse cultures in Guyana. Again, decked in a purple/ maroon outfit, she left the crowd breathless. The designer, again, was in for praises as Haniff look spectacularly beautiful and stunning.
In the evening gown segment, Haniff wore a Victorian style gown also designed by Nurse which represented the city of El Dorado. The dress represented the grace and elegance of a charming young lady.
Her answer to the final question was also on target which obviously made her walk away with the coveted crown. Each contestant was asked the same question which stated “Finish the phrase, If I were a boy…” In Haniff response, she said “If I were a boy, I would change the world and what people think of me as l and I would treat women with respect at all times”. Her answer, was followed by loud screams and cheers but more importantly convinced the judges that she was fitting of a queen; one with beauty, charm and intelligence.
