–To help girls develop self-confidence, social skills

WITH the aim of developing confidence and social skills amongst its female students, the Bartica Secondary School held a red-and-white-themed pageant in keeping with the Valentine season.

The pageant saw the participation of eight students representing the school’s eight departments: Science, Agricultural Science, Social Studies, Home Economics, Mathematics, Industrial Arts, English, and Allied Arts.

The girls were exposed to five aspects of pageantry, namely the cultural segment, creative attire, talent, evening gown and intelligence, all coordinated and trained by Miss Bartica Regatta 2006, Iona Ramsden, who is currently a teacher at the school.
Assisting her was Head of the Department of English, Deon Persaud, who aided in developing the girls’ public speaking ability.

Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle that though this pageant was birthed whilst searching for fundraising activity ideas for the school, the exposure and the social development experienced by the participants were glorifying.

He said that with the girls of the school being given the opportunity to experience what it is like to be involved in pageantry, they were very much excited and it aided in boosting their confidence.

After the five rounds of intense but friendly competition, Kristel Hopkinson, a Grade Nine student, emerged the winner followed closely by Jushanna Gonsalves and Athalya Dalgetty, who were adjudged first and second runners up respectively.
The other contestants were Adrianna John, Oneisha Jones, Tenisha Felix, Ashley Charter, and Lisa Jaime.

Speaking with the queen after she was crowned, she said that the experience would have taught her many things.

“This was my first pageant experience, and I really enjoyed every part of it, Kristel said, adding: “It helped me to realise my potential; to be brave, and stand in front of people and speak without being overpowered with nervousness. I also learnt how to be a lady, how to walk, talk, sit, and so many other things. I’m just happy that I took part.”
She also said that with her title, she will use her influence to encourage other girls in the school, because she believes that the lack of confidence in one’s self is a contributing factor to poor performance in school.

With them being confident in themselves, and seeing the potential others see in them, the queen said, will help boost the overall academic performance in the school.
Tenisha Felix said that even though she did not secure a place in the top three, she is more confident than she was when she entered the pageant.

“Suffering from a low-esteem blindfolds you from seeing your true potential,” Felix said, “but the exposure to pageantry paved way for development of belief in one’s self and encouragement to follow your dreams.”

This is the reason, she said, she will join the pageant again next year.
The other contestants expressed similar sentiments, deeming the overall experience a confidence booster.

Source: Guyana Chronicle