Published On:Wednesday, August 25, 2010

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Feature Writer

IN a highly competitive grand finale Ashlee Bain- Miss Teen Fort Fincastle won over the judges with her elegance and poise and emerged from the bevy of beauties to be crowned Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas 2010/2011 on Saturday night at the Rainforest Theatre Crystal Palace.

This year's contest featured 21 of the most dynamic teen ladies the Bahamas has to offer but it was Miss Bain who walked away with the title of Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas 2010- regarded as the 'Miss Universe' of teen pageantry in The Bahamas.

The excited new queen said her reasons for joining the pageant were to learn more about herself and to develop lasting friendships with the contestants. She says, "It has not sunk in that I am Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas 2010-2011. I am still a bit overwhelmed but excited for the journey ahead.

"I realise that the title I hold is a prestigious one and I am glad I chose to enter Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas pageant because I have developed and I have seen improvement within myself," she said.

The self proclaimed tomboy said in her profile that she wants to work with the youth of the country to resolve peer pressure- which she considers to be the biggest issue among teens today."

"The key problem facing youth today is peer pressure. In my opinion, crime, violence, teenage pregnancy and underage drinking are all in some way stemming from peer pressure. Wanting to be loved, wanting to fit in, wanting to be apart of a family; because usually these things are lacking in some individuals."

Problems

She added: "These problems can be combated by teaching and talking to youth about self esteem, believing in oneself , loving oneself, leading them in the right direction, enrolling them in positive group rather than negative ones they might have previously attended or joined and try to talk to them on their level. "

Ashlee also said: " One final piece of advice I would always leave with teenagers that I mentor is, one thing you should never do is give up, because the youth are our future; without them the future is void"

In addition to the crown, Ashlee also won the Queen of the Walk competition.This focuses specifically on harvesting a teen top model,a separate title within the pageant. Ashlee will receive a model portfolio as well as one year of marketing services provided by Theodore Elyett Productions for various modeling and promotional opportunities.

The top five finalists included first runner up Miss Teen Rawson Square- Irina Key; second runner up Miss Teen Potter's Cay- Willicia Charlow; third runner up Miss Teen Abaco- Blair Johnson and fourth runner up Miss Teen Grand Bahama- Rakia Rolle.

Miss Abaco, Blair Johnson won Miss Popularity in ads, Miss People's Choice 2010 and Miss Facebook People's Choice. Felicia Archer- Miss Teen Ardastra Gardens won Miss Congeniality and Best Spirit.

Irina Key- Miss Teen Rawson Square won the judges over with Best Evening Gown Design and Best Body following Rakia Rolle- Miss Teen Grand Bahama winning Best Evening Gown Performance.

Miss Humanitarian and Best Talent went to Leoche Thurston- Miss Teen Old Fort Bay. Shantich Thompson- Miss Teen Fort Montague won Miss Photogenic and Ashley Rolle- Miss Teen Botanical Gardens won Miss Swan which was awarded to the contestant who had the biggest transformation throughout the pageant season.

Opportunity

This opportunity of a lifetime as Theodore Elyett's Miss Teen Bahamas 2010 has allowed Ashlee to receive a $2000 Cash Prize; Haircare and maintenance for 1 year; Nail-care and maintenance for 1 year; Makeup lessons and makeup kit from Eye Candy Makeup Company and jewelry worth $250 from Fashionista, an entire wardrobe to compete in the Miss Teenager 2010, a professional Photoshoot with Kovah Duncombe,a gown from Debonaire Boutique and two gowns from I Catching Boutique and a Goat Skin Bufferfly Tote valued at $200 from the House of OPAMA and a few Nabulunge casual apparel pieces and tracksuits.

The amazing gifts do not end there, she was also given a round-trip ticket to Costa Rica and the opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the Miss Teenager Pageant on October 17, 2010.

Ashlee was awarded the opportunity to appear in a 242 People Clothing Photoshoot and magazine to feature in Bahamas Investor along with a feature story in e-Life 242 magazine, a feature spot on Bahamas at Sunrise, feature spot on Citizen's Review, two Cedric Bernard business suits and $150 worth of shoes at Bani Shoe Warehouse. She also received a John Bull gift basket, $50 Shell gas voucher, day for 2 at Blue Lagoon/Dolphin Encounter, bowling for two at Mario's Entertainment Centre and a three month gym membership.