The “P O
WER of Pageantry” Reigns Supreme
By: Soror Ingrid Bethel
The dynamic program emcee, Brooks Baptiste of
First Coast News, kept the audience of 1,400 supporters
excited as
a panel of experts from the entertainment, communications, dance
and music industries scored the rounds of competition. The 40 th Miss Delta Teen, Mia Uzzell,
closed the show with a powerful farewell performance before she and her Royal Court (Kayla
Freeney and Olivia Walker) assisted with the Coronation Ceremony.
The ceremony began with an elated Destinee Bouldin receiving the “Miss (Myrtle W. Turner)
Dedication” Award. Next, Lauryn Frazier was overjoyed and blew kisses as she received the “Miss
Congeniality” Award. Then the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived, and the 2019
Royal Court was announced. Second Runner-Up: Essence Burton! First Runner-Up: Natalie Charles!
Their smiles were radiant as they were honored at center stage. Annnnd, our new Miss Delta Teen:
Chaneese Nelson! True to form, upon being crowned, “Princess Chaneese” made her way around the
stage to hug each one of her fellow contestants while they cheered her on. During her first interview
after being crowned, she expressed her gratefulness for the love they all showed one another
throughout their pageantry journey and humbly exclaimed, “I’m so happy! This is bigger than my
biggest dreams!”
Many thanks to our Pageant Committee for making dreams come true! #POWER
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