Miss Chiquitita took place this past Saturday, April 21st at the Old Football Field (Saca Chispas). On stage vying for the crown and title of Miss Chiquitita were six adorable young ladies aged six through eight. Elizabeth Grace Sanchez, Tjaunie Ack, Kiryani Pou, Aylen Tang, Ayanna Staine and Yari Flores put on quite a show, working hard to win the hearts of the judges. Enrique de Leon, Maria Jefferies, Patricia Greif, Manuel Ancona and Susana Haros had the difficult task of choosing from the equally deserving candidates.
After their introductory dance number, each young lady took to the stage in their swimsuits, modeling for the crowd. Applause was loud and very encouraging for all six girls, and they were excited to come onstage once again and present their talent competition. Dancing is certainly a popular activity, and each young lady had their interpretations. Elizabeth Grace performed a touching ballet with the theme of anti-bullying, while Kiryani’s presentation was against offshore oil drilling. Tjaunie, Ayanna, Aylen and Yari each had their modern interpretations of popular songs, bringing confidence, energy and talent onstage.
Throughout the night, breaks were highlighted by performances by the San Pedro Dance Company, Barbara’s Dance Group and Hot Feet Dance Group. After the final break, it was time to showcase the most glamorous, exciting segment of the evening: Evening Gowns. Looking like true belles of the ball, each chiquitita walked the stage with poise and beautiful smiles, wearing breathtaking dresses fit for princesses. The crowd applauded enthusiastically as each contestant traversed the stage, turning and modeling their elegant dresses. The judges made copious notes, finding it hard to make their decision, but knowing that only one could wear the crown.
At the end, with the help of MC Eiden Salazar, various prizes were handed out by outgoing Miss Chiquitita Gabriella Knox-Alexander and former Miss Chiquitita Nayobie Rivero. Yari Flores was named Miss Congeniality, while Elizabeth Grace Sanchez took the title of Miss Photogenic and First Runner-Up. Taking the crown and title for the year 2012-2013 was Kiryani Pou. Congratulations Kiry!!
The organizers of Miss Chiquitita 2012 would like to thank the following sponsors who made the event possible: San Pedro Town Council, Manuel Heredia Jr., E & L Butane, San Pedro Community, Belizean Melody Art Gallery, Island Movie, Tuff E Nuff, Marina’s Store, Warpaint, Reef Radio, Belicolor, Dalia’s Store, Captain Shark’s, Castillo’s Hardware, Mata Chica, Wild Mango’s, Ashley’s Boutique, Island Gear, Mar’s Boutique, Ambergris Hope, Ambergris Today, Mar de Colores, A&R Enterprise, Leslie’s Salon, Caribeña Enterprises, Coral Cable Vision, Sailaway Café, Ramon’s Village, Styland, Greenhouse, Sunrise Realty, Caye Supplies, Caramba, Cholo’s, Carts Belize, Wally’s, Lino’s Meats, Manelly’s, Mariano’s, Belize Diving Adventures and The San Pedro Sun. Special thanks to volunteers and helpers of the event: Gina Wallace, Charles Mejia, Andrea Nuñez, Dali Guerrero, Melly Badillo, Eiden Salazar and all parents!
