Bodden Town’s Brianna Livingston made history Saturday by winning the Miss Teen Cayman Islands 2022 title, becoming the first daughter of a former titleholder to wear the crown in the pageant’s 41 years of existence.
Overcome with emotion, Livingston and her mother Donna Bush, who won the Miss Teen crown in 1984, embraced in tears after the 18-year-old was crowned at the Lions Community Centre.
“This is unreal… I can’t believe this is happening,” Livingston said Saturday night as she clutched her bouquet and crown after winning the pageant, which was themed ‘Blooming with Grace’.
Livingston, who was sponsored by NCI Freight and Logistics, is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Marine Science at the University College of the Cayman Islands and has plans to obtain a Master’s degree in the same field come Fall 2023.
Speaking with the Cayman Compass Sunday morning, Livingston was still shell-shocked by her win.
“It feels amazing. Last night I was so overwhelmed, but I’m just so thankful for the support of my family, my friends, and just everyone out there who has supported me, so I’m just feeling really great at this time,” she said.
She said her platform – anti-body shaming – was very personal to her, and she is passionate about making a change for Cayman’s young people when it comes to bullying in schools.
“It is something that I personally experienced, but I have a conviction and a passion about making change as it relates to body shaming. There are several things that I have planned to do throughout the year. One is I’m hoping to get into schools. Not just high schools, but Year Six in the primary schools. This is the age when I find many children will bully each other for the way they look,” she said.
Livingston said she also plans, within her first six months as Miss Teen, to start her own podcast.
“I will have experts on as well as my peers and youth to discuss issues such as body shaming, and other concerns that may be affecting them and just to find solutions and give them tips on what they can do to actually change it and make things better for themselves,” she added..
Livingston walked away with a $54,000 scholarship courtesy of the Cayman Islands Government, a trophy courtesy of Winner’s Circle Sports, a handset courtesy the Lions Club of Grand Cayman and one year membership to Kings Sports Centre and Powerhouse Gym, among other prizes.
She lauded the Miss Teen programme, saying it was of “great benefit” to her and her fellow contestants.
“I have grown so much since I signed up on May 21. I am a lot more outgoing, I really thought about my future more. They provided so many opportunities to us five contestants that has been beneficial to us, and will be beneficial to us throughout the rest of our lives. I would like to encourage young girls to go for it. You are enough. You are beautiful and it is only going to help you,” she added.
Keanna Kelly, 17, of West Bay took home the 1st runner-up at the pageant, while 15-year-old DeShae Cann won the 2nd runner-up.
Committee chairperson Andrea Franklin, speaking with the Cayman Compass after the pageant, said she was thrilled to see the young participants give their all for the annual event and “bloom” before her eyes.
“The experience is overwhelming,” Franklin said as she celebrated the close of the event that saw over 300 attendees converge on the Lions Centre to show their support.
Franklin thanked the sponsors, in particular Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan and his team for assisting with the production costs, and the Education Ministry for its scholarship for the reigning queen.
The pageant, which is a project of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman and the Leo Club of Grand Cayman, is used as a platform to empower young ladies and provide training in public speaking, confidence building, etiquette and more.
The event featured performances from the Cayman Bayanihan Filipino Community group, Liana DaCosta, Jhalia Graham, the Cayman Scout Band, UCCI dancers and Rico Rolando.
Franklin commended the production team for the event, including Intec Research Production Services, Ironshore Music Group, Clarity Entertainment and Monique Traille, and the public for their consistent support.
“I thank my committee members so much. They have this pageant at heart. They have the youth at heart. They are amazing. Words cannot express [how I feel]… I have the best committee members ever. Thank you to the Lions and Leos as well,” Franklin added.
In his opening remarks at the event, Lions Club President Michael Havlin pledged the organization’s commitment to the pageant.
“In this 50th year of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman, we cherish all our memories. We especially love sharing our Lions Community Centre. This evening, we have these young ladies in bloom sharing their talents, their beauty and their words. Let us cherish all our contestants. Let us hold fast that which is good,” Havlin said.
Awards:
Miss Personality – Janelle Wood
Academic Excellence – Keanna Kelly
Social Media Award – DeShae Cann
Most Improved – Lexi Gould
Most Disciplined – Keanna Kelly
Most Talented – Brianna Livingston
Best Smile – DeShae Cann
Miss Fitness – Brianna Livingston
Miss Photogenic – Lexi Gould
Best in Casual Wear – Brianna Livingston
Best in Gown – Brianna Livingston
Community Spirit Award – Lexi Gould
Flow People’s Choice – Lexi Gould
2nd Runner Up – DeShae Cann
1st Runner Up – Keanna Kelly
Miss Teen 2022 – Brianna Livingston
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