(Contestants in alpha order only) Aaronique Forbes, Acacia Rolle, Amberia Seymour, Angel Culmer, Ariannah Wells-Bain, Ashley Thompson, Azaria Jones, Bernique Taylor, Canaan Coakley, Danielle Albury, Duranique Minus, Frankia Wright, Gabriela Collie, Ianna Cartwright, Lezlia Jones, Marechan Burrows, Tayjha Deleveaux, Tayla Miller, Tesa-Ann Smith

Bahamas pageant partners with Ivy League US University

Liberty University is a major university in the USA.  The University will offer a $90,000 (ninety thousand dollars) academic scholarship (over a four (4) year period) to the winner of the title Miss Teen Bahamas International 2016.   Additionally, combined scholarships equivalent to $30,000 (thirty thousand dollars) will be awarded to the 1st runner-up as well as a combined $22,000 (twenty-two thousand dollars) scholarship to the 2nd runner-up.   And it gets better! 

Liberty University’s official letter dated March 7, 2016 provides scholarship offers not only to the MTBI 2016 winners listed, but also scholarships to EACH contestant who otherwise meets MTBI and the university’s criteria for admissions combined at $12,000 (twelve thousand dollars) National Director Mr. Anthony Smith was elated with the news.  He stated that “this is the first time in the history of Liberty University that they have ever dared to do something like this – and more amazingly, it’s being awarded to recipients OUTSIDE of the continental United States.” The MTBI Organizers have been in discussions with the institution for almost a year. The bold steps being taken suggests that more young ladies who are interested in MTBI organization and are academically centered, community service driven while still maintaining the flavor and fun of youth, healthy competition  and pageantry,  will get an opportunity to apply and be screened by the MTBI team.

Liberty University is a private, Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA.  Liberty's annual enrollment includes over 14,000 residential students and over 100,000 online students as of May 2013.

Since the opening of the university, there are almost 1,000 international students and over the past ten years, Liberty University has increased the average number of students by 250, which equals to roughly a 25% growth in the international student population. Other facts are that LU has a Bahamian Population of 24 (currently F-1 students); a Caribbean Population of 34 (currently F-1 students) and the Total Caribbean/West Indian Population count is 58.By tying in Miss Teen Bahamas International’s pageant vision, LU slogan is “Training Champions for Christ/Knowledge Aflame” and their Mission Statement is “Liberty University develops Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world”.

A major feature that sparks anticipation and accolades is Liberty University’s Convocation.  The Convocation is North America’s largest weekly gathering of Christian students, and each year it plays host to more than 80 guest speakers of national significance from every sphere of society. Liberty University brings in speakers with occupations from being missionaries that are active in the fields, to CEOs of million dollar companies. Many of these individuals that LU brings in weekly, many colleges do not get that until their graduation 4 years later.

National Director, Anthony Smith and 2015 MTBI Queen, Britney Wells

Dean, International Student Programs, of Resident Enrollment, Dr. William E. Wegert will be making his presence felt the night of the pageant. This is key as Dr. Wegert and his team have been very instrumental in lobbying for the partnership between Liberty University and The Bahamas with a view of long term plans. Dr. Wegert will speak at the event specifically about the unique and historical partnership and further possible plans for Bahamian student enrollment at Liberty University, one of America’s leading Bible Institutions.

Another highlight would be the attendance of representatives from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture.

MTBI’s official contestant orientation took place on Friday, March 11th at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel, Downtown Nassau. There was an amazing turn out of young ladies who were eagerly anticipating meeting the faces behind the organization, the announcement of prizes and opportunities, meeting the reigning queen as well as secondary titleholders and basically getting a better idea of what kind of organization was MTBI so as to make a final decision as to whether MTBI is the right fit for her.  Parents were equally excited to learn about the scholarship opportunities, and the very low cost associated with MTBI pageant participation.

Often times when people hear pageant, it is associated with high cost. That is simply not the case with MTBI.  It is very rare for parents and sponsors to pay exorbitant costs for the experience for the young ladies. Through corporate sponsors and individuals in the community, we are blessed to have outside assistance each year. This helps greatly in reducing overall costs for everyone.  MTBI being able to make sure that key things are sponsored, or that MTBI is able to underwrite items in other areas through our partnerships with local businesses, goes a long way towards keeping budgets in line. Our main interest and priority is to ensure that each young lady is provided with the resources she needs to go through the entire 12 week Enrichment Program. (Said, Smith)

If interested ladies wish to apply for next year, please see our Facebook Page our website.