Eight new contestants standing with reigning Miss Grand Bahama, Nikie Severe on April 2nd, 2010. Photo: Ryan Perez

The 2010 Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant contestants with the reigning queen, Nikie Severe. The new hopefuls are Celina McCardy ( Hold the Tiger), Tempest Stubbs ( Midway Electronics) , Shequera King ( SkyBahamas), Cindy Lewis ( Grand Bahama Bone Fishing Company) , Remi Henderson ( Syngad Services) , McKishine Wilmott ( Paradise Property & Development Co) , Valdena Bain ( DJ's Construction), and Rayne Armbrister ( Sol - y - Luna Restaurant & Bar) Photo: Leshan Ferguson

Eight beautiful young ladies stand in front of the Pelican Bay Hotel at the official unveiling of the new contestants for the Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant which is will take place on May 16th at the Hilton Outten Convention Center. Left to right is: Tempest Stubbs, Rayne Armbrister, Shequera King, Celina McCardy, Remi Henderson, McKishine Wilmott, Cindy Lewis, and Valdena Bain. Photo: Leshan Ferguson

Photo: Ryan Perez

Photo: Ryan Perez

Celina McCardy sponsored by Hold the Tiger

About Celina McCardy: On September 05 1992, I Celina Arita McCardy was born to the parents of Cecil and Raquel McCardy, on the island of Freeport Grand Bahama. However I grew up on the island of Eleuthera until the age of eight at which time we relocated to Freeport, Grand Bahama, where I spent four years, before returning to Eleuthera, where we stayed until my mother was hired in the Exuma islands. I later returned to Freeport, where in 2009 I graduated from Sir. Jack Hayward High School.

It was during my high school years that I discovered my love for cooking, which allowed me the opportunity to study Culinary Arts. I am presently working diligently to further my education in the Culinary Arts field and my ultimate goal is to own and manage my very own restaurant.

I love outdoor recreation, especially tennis. I also love the beach and boating simply because I find it extremely relaxing and it allows me to meditate intimately.

I love life, I try to enjoy it to its fullest. I also love people, and I try to treat others as I would like for them to treat me.

Tempest Stubbs, sponsored by Midway Electronics

I attended National Academy where I graduated as Head Girl at the age of five. I continued my primary education at Freeport Primary School where I graduated with the Principal’s Award. Later, I attended Freeport Anglican High and my graduation was held in 2003, but I decided not to participate in my graduation ceremony. I made the decision to complete another year of high school to work towards a softball scholarship. Unfortunately, the scholarship in sports was not granted; I was blessed with something better. I was offered a scholarship of $20,000 to aid in my tuition and a sure job teaching because my major would be Physical Education with a teacher’s certification.

During my matriculation at the Great Bethune-Cookman University, my goal was to be a sponge and absorb and experience everything in the space of four years. I was involved in various organizations and held positions in most of them. The Federation of Bahamian Students was my very first organization and I was elected as Miss FOBS. In 2006, I competed for the title of Miss Homecoming Queen, which I won. I was a part of the Caribbean Students Association and I was elected as Miss CSA. I compete in the Miss Florida Caribbean Students Association and placed first runner up. The National Council of Negro Women, the organizations of all organizations. I served on the Student Government Association executive board two years consecutively. I was elected for Executive Secretary my first year and my second year I capture the title of Miss Bethune-Cookman University. I was the second Miss Bethune-Cookman University and the first international student to accomplish that.

In the School of Education, I was the President of the Student Advisory Council and the President of the Physical Education and Recreation Club. As an organization we worked with various elementary schools as a result, we successfully hosted Field Days for the students. There are two personal projects I worked on the Bonner Belts Project and the Christmas Story Project. They were both successful.
During my senior year of school, I was “Miss Bethune-Cookman University” and it was a pleasure. I competed in the Miss MEAC and the Miss National Hall of Fame Pageant. I was not successful in winning the crown, but the opportunity to travel to two different states and share my experiences was amazing. I was able to work on several projects, such as, Breast Cancer Awareness, a Cultural Extravaganza, Thanksgiving Baskets, Boy and Girls Club, Toys for Tots and Clothing Drives.

My college days were a great experience! Being from my family, in another country has taught me valuable lessons and I would encourage anyone to study abroad and experience life outside of the Bahamas. Even though, I enjoyed life in America; I always wanted to come home and bring my talent and knowledge where it is needed. Improvement of the Physical Education program was my ultimate goal! Now, currently working at Bishop Michael Eldon as a Physical Educator I love my profession. I inspire to be a Principal and I plan on accomplishing that by going back to school to achieve my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.

Since my arrival home, I have been actively involved with the local sporting activities around the island; night league softball and volleyball (also played with the national team for GB). Also, I am actively involved with a mentoring program call Rachel’s Daughters. Rachel’s Daughters is a part of my platform as well, which is Character Development in Females. Currently, I am employed at Bishop Michael Eldon School; I have coached various sports teams and I have accomplished a championship title with the Junior Girls in Softball. I have introduced a Field Day for the school which they have made an Annual event.

I am a well rounded individual and very goal oriented. I have high standards and I believe we should always go forward and not backwards in life. Learning from my experiences has taught to limit my mistakes in the future. I am a very outgoing individual and I love a challenge. My ultimate lesson in life is “to take care and love me, because no one will love me better than me.”

Shequera King, sponsored by SkyBahamas

About Shequera King: I was born on April 27th, 1988. My parents are Deacon Thomas King of Calvary Temple and Principal Myrton King of Sunland Baptist Academy. I am the youngest of four children. My siblings are Sheniquea, Shantel and Chovez King. I enjoy reading, singing, dancing, modeling, tutoring, playing sports, attending my youth group meetings, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am an intelligent, God-fearing, self-motivated, loving, amiable 21-year-old that is passionate about contributing to the well being of other youths and my country.

From the age of three to seventeen I attended Sunland Baptist Academy. For the duration of this time, I made the honor roll on a consistent basis and received numerous awards for academic achievement. I also participated in several extracurricular activities including Track and Field, Softball, Soccer, the National Arts Festival, Junior Achievers, and a number of recreational activities for community service. On June 14th, 2005 I graduated from Sunland Baptist Academy as the Deputy Head Girl and Salutatorian of my class, achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.91.

After graduating from high school, I went on to attend Liberty University, the world’s largest Christian university, located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Throughout my college career I have excelled academically making the Dean’s List every semester upon starting and was honored on several occasions. Freshman year I was invited and inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, a national honors society for first year students who obtain a 3.5 GPA or higher and rank in the top 20 percentile of their class. The following year I was acknowledged by the United States Achievement Academy for maintaining a 4.0 GPA and received an All American Scholar Award. Lastly during my senior year I was invited and inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, a national business honors society that awards business students ranking in the top 20 percentile of their class during senior year.

In addition to devoting effort and time to my studies, I completed over 120 hours of community service through tutoring junior and senior high school students at Liberty Christian Academy and assisting the Director of the Center for Multicultural Enrichment with planning and carrying out activities and events for alumni and international students. I was also one of the directors of Caribbean In Action, an international students club that was established by a few friends and I to educate and create awareness about all aspects of the Caribbean islands.

On May 9th, 2009 I graduated as Valedictorian of my Business class and received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Marketing. I achieved my goal of making the Summa Cum Laude Honors list, having an overall GPA of 3.95, and was the first student at Liberty University to receive the Outstanding Marketing Graduate of the Year Award. I am truly grateful to have accomplished all of these great achievements because I know it was only by God’s strength and grace that I was able to do so.

In the future, I wish to obtain a Masters Degree in Business, specializing in Marketing and/or Hospitality and Tourism Management. If it is in God’s will my ultimate goals are to become a Chief Marketing Officer and establish a non-profit organization for the youths of the Bahamas.

Cindy Lewis, sponsored by Grand Bahama Bone Fishing Company

If I could describe myself in just three words, those words would be amiable, ambitious and confident. With this esteemed opportunity, I will face it with enthusiasm. My many life experiences have opened many doors for me. Some of my experiences include my involvement with: The YMCA Youth and Development Program, The Interact Club at Jack Hayward High School, Golden Eagles Track Club and The Ministry of Education Youth Employment Summer Program. My involvement in these activities have given the opportunity to work with many young people and also to work as a team to achieve a common goal. Other experiences include: Fashion Evolution presented by American International University in Westin, Florida, The Annual Fashion Designers Expo 2008 in both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida (four nights of runway modeling at elite venues), several Independence Day presentations for Ministry of
Tourism, Freeport, Bahamas, Goombay Festival Cultural Shows, hostess at two major fashion show presentations (namely Miss Universe Swimsuit presentation), countless model castings and numerous courses in etiquette training.

My passion in life is the academic and social development of youth in our country but also the personal development and empowerment of young ladies in our society. Thus I have developed a program targeting young ladies called Queens Collection. The program is a mentoring and self development program helps young ladies to identify and embrace their self-worth, confidence and self esteem. They will be mentored which is to help them through difficult situations and receive sound advice and guidance. I have decided to utilize my passion and use it as my platform for the Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant 2010- 2011.  Through this brand new experience I hope to expand and also develop my networking abilities while bringing awareness to our exquisite Bahamian culture. I am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity of representing the island of Grand Bahama as The Miss Grand Bahama 2010-11 with grace, charisma and charm.

Rayne Armbrister, sponsored by Sol - y - Luna Restaurant & Bar

About Rayne Armbrister: Rayne was conceived on November 20, 1993 to Randy and Alma Armbrister in Dade County, North Miami. She is now 16 years of age and an 11th grade student at Sunland Baptist Academy School. Her hobbies include modeling, travelling, reading, dancing, swimming, drawing/designing and spending quality time with her family.

Rayne has been modeling since the age of 9 and has made it her long life dream to become a professional model and fashion designer. She is the second eldest of her other 3 sisters, known as Starr, Sunshine and Winter.

As a little girl growing up, Rayne was always a quiet and well behaved child. Until this day, Rayne is a loving, caring, cooperative, hardworking role model and independent young lady who strives for nothing less than the best. Rayne speaks both the English and Spanish language fluently. She enjoys learning new things and working with other people. She is 3.5 average student who works diligently and takes pride in her work. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and practicing on designing her own clothes where someday she will have her own fashion line. She loves to listen to music because it releases her passion for modeling and dancing as it helps her to become more dedicated and encouraged by listening to her favorite genres of music, which are bachata, merenge, salsa, hip-hop, r&b, techno and pop.

As Rayne grew she realized her strong desire to become a model, this led her to her first pageant which was the Cinderella Pageant in 2002. As Rayne stood on stage awaiting to hear the winner of Cinderella Miss category, she was overwhelmed and filled with joy as she heard the name Rayne Armbrister be called for Cinderella Miss 2002 - 2003. During the year she carried the title she began to realize that modeling was exactly what she wanted to do. She had enjoyed herself representing as Cinderella Miss 2002 - 2003, she was afraid that her journey might end, but as one door closed another opened. Rayne was able to travel to Las Vegas to represent the Bahamas. Two 1st place and one 2nd place medal was able it to make it home, as well as the 1st place Cameo Girl trophy. As years passed by, Rayne grasped onto another opportunity in which she had to travel to Dominican Republic to enter the Princess of The World Pageant. She won a medal for Best Folkloric costume and won the crown for Princess International 2005.

Even though Rayne hadn't entered in any major events after Dominican Republic, she still continued modeling by participating in fashion shows.

Now Rayne has entered Miss Grand Bahama 2010 and will definitely be privileged to whatever the outcome is, as she is pleased to say it adds more to her experience as her journey continues, as she hopes one day she will be able to make it further with God's help and become Miss Universe .

Remi Henderson, sponsored by Syn GAD Services

About Remi Henderson: Born and being raised on the beautiful and crystal clear waters of Grand Bahama Island. I was born on August 21st 1993 to the parents of a Gordon and Janet Henderson. My name is Remi Xavier Henderson.

I started my school life at New World Day School from nursery to kindergarten. I completed my education at Lucayan International School from grades 1 to 3. I then moved to Sunland Lutheran School formally known as Sunland Baptist Academy where I completed 3rd grade.

During my younger years I enjoyed athletics and participated in The Girls Soccer League. I was known as the “star goalie.” I enjoyed playing soccer, but a few years later I started the sport I was best at track. My track life started in the 6th grade where I started with my personal trainer Fredrick Bastian. In island sports that year I received 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals. 1st place in the 1200 meters , 2nd place in the 800 meters and 2nd place in the 4X400 relay , which landed me the title , 3rd Best Athlete Under 12 Girls for the island of Grand Bahama. Track had changed my life. It made me mentally and physically strong. What I enjoyed about it was it kept me in physical shape and taught me the true value and commitment of track.

However, I continued training in grade 6 where I broke a record in the girls 2,000 meters and 2nd place in the 1500 meters. In my 4th year of Island Sports I broke a record in the Open Girls 3,000 meters with the qualifying time of 12:50.16 and placed 2nd in the 1500 meters. My last year of Island Sports which was 2009, was not a good year for me. I decided to stop track because losing interest got the best of me and so I stopped training. Going to practice almost every day about 5-6 days out the week including dance classes every Wednesday had to be stopped before it interrupted my academics.

The summer of 2008, was when I began my modeling career. I spent the summer on photo shoots with Christine Demeritte in promoting her location shooting. I started to gain a passion with modeling. I was offered the opportunity to model at one of the biggest fashion shows in the Bahamas, “Islands of the World’s Fashion Week 2008.” I must say the experience was AMAZING! Getting my make up done, trying on different clothing from designers and strutting on the runway. I continued modeling ever since and I have modeled at a few shows/events. In 2008 is where I began my Governor General’s Award and completed my Silver’s successfully.

In January 2009, I made a move to home of the “Warriors.” Bishop Michael Eldon High School (Freeport Anglican High). Where I completed 10th grade and continued with honors. Summer 2009 was an exciting vacation. I entered in a photo competition “Spotlight’s Photo Knockout Competition,” where I competed against other girls. I received 1st place with gift prizes and recognition.

Here I am now in the 11th grade, where I am working hard as I usually do. I am currently 16 years of age. I am preparing myself to sit the country’s National Examinations , BGCSE’s , where I will perform to the best of my ability . I am a part of the Junior Achievement programme, whereas we just held our big conference known as “Bahama JAC,” which is held annually. It is usually held in New Providence but was held in Freeport , GB this year. It was a very good experience, my first Bahama JAC and I expect to return next year. However, I am a part of the Interact Club of my high school, this is also my first year, and also I am enjoying it .

Presently I am enjoying my adolescence. I am described as humble, I can be shy at times, but once I am aware of my surroundings I am more comfortable. I get along with my peers and am very friendly. My hobbies include : dancing, reading, travelling and shopping.

I have recently entered “Miss Grand Bahama Beauty Pageant 2010 and have successfully become a contestant, where I will work my hardest and work to the best of my ability. In the pageant I expect to gain more confidence, experience and life lasting memories that I will take with me throughout my life. My future goals are ; firstly, to continue school with good grades and graduating with excellence . To be healthy, mentally and physically and to get accepted into the most prestigious colleges and universities of which one will be my pick, where I plan to study psychology and receive my Doctorate Degree. My overall goals is to become successful and always have God by my side in everything I do.

McKishine Wilmott, sponsored by Paradise Property & Development Co

About McKishine Wilmott: B orn September 11th, 1991, I am the daughter of Andre and Freda Wilmott. I grew up in a home consisting of five siblings, two sisters and three brothers. I earned my primary education certificate from Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School and completed my secondary education at the illustrious Bishop Michael Eldon High school. I received my High School Diploma on June 11, 2009 from Bishop Michael Eldon with a 3.0 G.P.A., seven B.J.C.’s, nine B.G.C.S.E.’s, an S.A.T. score of 1360 and two advanced placement (A.P.) classes.

My tenure at Bishop Michael Eldon School was an exciting one as I participated in numerous school events, such as the cheerleading squad, the school choir, and the step team. A fond lover of music, I joined the Grand Bahama Youth Choir and participated in a salsa dance class. The culmination of my High School activities was my participation in the 2009 Debutante Ball.

After my High School graduation I eagerly sought to further my education by enrolling in the College of The Bahamas where I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree in Bio-Chemistry. Upon completion of this degree, my desire is to continue my education in pursuit of a PHD in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I am also presently employed by the Grand Bahama Power Company as an Office Assistant.

As a born again believer, my greatest desire is to serve the Lord. I find many opportunities to fulfill this desire at the church that I have attended all my life, that being First Baptist Church. This church home has afforded me the platform to display my talents in singing, via our Youth Choir, Trinity praise, playing the clarinet in the Youth Orchestra, and liturgical dance as a part of the Dance Ministry. I am able to strengthen my love and commitment to the Lord through my involvement in Youth Meetings. My fondness toward these ministries has caused me to be a dedicated member since my early high school days.

If I were to be awarded the auspicious title holder of Ms. Grand Bahama, I will bless the island of Grand Bahama. By using the platform “Sexual Awareness” I plan to educate the youth of today. I plan to visit many educational institutions and be hands on with my community to fulfill my duty to them on this important matter. I plan to make a difference.

I am a highly motivated, determined and persistent individual and I look with expectation and faith toward the bright future that awaits me.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can
be done without hope and confidence.
- Helen Keller

Miss Valdena Bain, sponsored by DJ's Construction

About Valdeana Bain: On the 15th of May, 1987 Denis and Valerie Bain welcomed their second child into the world. My father is the proprietor of DJ’s Construction and my mother is employed in the Health Social Services of the Rand Memorial Hospital. I was reared in a Christian home and attended services at Zion Baptist Freeport on a weekly basis, thus becoming a Christian was inevitable. At an early age, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, received water baptism and officially became a member of that religious organization. Since then, I have been actively involved in a number of activities in Zion. These included, playing the clarinet in the church’s band and singing in both the Children’s and Youth Choir.

My educational journey began at the age of 2 years old when I enrolled in National Academy Preschool. I was later transferred to Central Church of God Preschool, where I graduated in the spring of 1992. At 5 years old, I enrolled in Freeport Primary School and excelled academically and athletically until completion, when I graduated in 1998.

After graduating from Freeport Primary School, I entered the “Home of the Wildcats”, Jack Hayward High School. At this institution, I mastered my communication skills, developed leadership skills and began engraving my footprints into the sand of an exciting and successful future. During these years my grade point average remained consistent at 3.5 and above. As a junior in high school, I served as a prefect and traveled regularly for various track and field events. For these achievements, I was awarded for six years (1998-2004) by The Operation Encouragement, formally known as Top Achievers. My achievements and involvement did not end at school but continued off campus as I was actively involved in the Anchor Club, Junior Achievers and Twenty Pearls. I attained many certificates of achievements such as BGCSE’s and BJC’s from this institution and others from The Grand Bahama Association of Teachers of Mathematics, Outstanding Students in Bahamian High Schools, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other individual subject awards. I graduated from Jack Hayward High School with Distinction.

As I exited the minor and entered the major league, I was accepted into Dickinson State University in the United States and continued engraving my footprints into the sand of my future. This is where I discovered my “true self”. I soared to great heights with my head held high. I always stood for something and never fell for anything. At this institution, I became a Resident Advisor for 3 years, became a volunteer worker around campus, became a member of the Chorale and kept up with my athleticism. I received outstanding leadership awards, certification in Standard First Aid as well as CPR/AED- Adult and CPR-Child and Infant, athletic awards and of course, a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. Currently, my college High Jump record remains unbeaten and I graduated from Dickinson State University with a 3.3 grade point average.

After graduating from college, I joined Toastmasters and Rotaract clubs in Grand Bahama and reengaged in various activities in Zion Baptist Church Freeport where I occasionally help out with the younger children and elderly. I find great pleasure in modeling and fashion design hence my leisurely time is centered on perfecting the arts. I am currently employed at the Rand Memorial Hospital as a Pharmacist Assistant and I aspire to become a successful Pharmacist in the very near future.