By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
In the heart of Maracas Valley, at the USC Auditorium, a celebration of intellect, compassion, and talent unfolded on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2024, graced by the patronage of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, Attorney and wife of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, brought together eight delegates from the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) to showcase their dedication to academic excellence and community service.
Under the overarching theme of “Fighting Poverty and Hunger: Promoting Food Security in the Caribbean – One Plate at a Time,” the pageant echoed the global call to action embodied in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It was a theme that resonated deeply with the participants, highlighting their commitment to addressing pressing issues facing the region.
The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant is not merely a one-night affair but a 7-month odyssey, cultivating academic prowess, cultural appreciation, and a profound sense of community service among its delegates. The journey comprises two pivotal components:
Community Projects: At the heart of the Portraits of Excellence journey lies a commitment to community and compassion. Delegates, fueled by a shared purpose, embraced the challenge to make a meaningful impact through community projects. As part of this transformative experience, delegates and their clubs each devoted a minimum of 20 hours to community development initiatives echoing the pageant’s theme. These community development projects, assessed and recorded, play a vital role, contributing 15% to the overall scores of our dedicated delegates. Through their service, these aspiring leaders not only showcased their dedication to positive change but also embodied the USCian spirit of unity, service, and love for humanity.
Research Presentations: On Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Social Sciences Auditorium, our Mr. & Ms. USC hopefuls presented their extensive research projects on the theme “Fighting Poverty and Hunger: Promoting Food Security in the Caribbean – One Plate at a Time”. From tackling the impact of global warming on crop cultivation to innovative strategies for climate-resilient agriculture, our delegates shared insights, discoveries, and solutions for a sustainable future. The USCian spirit was alive with vibrant energy, as students proudly rocked their colors, waved flags, and cheered on their territories. One of several pre-pageant activities, the Portraits of Excellence Research Presentations plays a significant role in determining the delegates’ overall scores. Their written research projects contribute 30% to their final evaluation, and the oral presentations of their research findings contribute another 10% to their overall scores.
As anticipation mounted, the pageant culminated in a dazzling display of talent and cultural pride. From captivating performances to stunning cultural wear presentations, each contestant left an indelible mark on the stage, embodying the rich diversity and vibrancy of Caribbean culture.
The esteemed panel of judges, comprising luminaries from various fields, including film, academia, poetry, and government, meticulously evaluated each performance.
- Mr. Kivonne Ramsawak – Film Director and Editor, Film Production Unit, UWI St. Augustine
- Dr. Deirdre Charles – Director of Student Services and Development, UWI St. Augustine
- Mr. Derron Sandy – Spoken Word Poet, Performer, Creative Education and Artistic Director.
- Mrs. Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis – Minister of Sport and Community Development, Government of Trinidad & Tobago.
- Ms. Candace Alcantara – USC alumna with over fourteen years of experience in strategic planning, corporate communications, public relations, brand management, event production, media relations, and advertising.
Results & Awards
Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, accolades were bestowed upon the deserving. Jerleema Frampton emerged as a beacon of excellence, clinching multiple awards including Best Research Oral Presentation and the coveted title of Ms. USC 2024. Similarly, Juhmaul Belfon, with his exemplary research prowess, secured the title of Mr. USC 2024.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. Collectively, these eight remarkable delegates, exemplified the spirit of excellence, dedication, and community service throughout their journey in the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2024.
- Ms. Jerleema Frampton: Best Research Oral Presentation, Congeniality Award, Best Cultural Wear: Female, and crowned as Ms. USC 2024
- Mr. Juhmaul Belfon: Best Overall Research Award and titled as Mr. USC 2024
- Ms. Shauntae Price & Mr. Aziel Hoyte [Barbados Club]: Best Community Project Award
- Ms. Marica Hector: People’s Choice Award, and 25% Tuition Award
- Mr. Ronaldo Stoby: Best Cultural Wear: Male, and First Runner-up: Male
- Ms. Shauntae Price: Best Talent: Female and First Runner-up: Female
- Ms. Elsa Elvin: 25% Tuition Award
- Mr. Aziel Hoyte: 25% Tuition Award
- Mr. Nkosi Cato: 25% Tuition Award
Yet, beyond the accolades, the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2024 embodied a profound ethos of empowerment and social change. Hosted by USC alumni Mr. Michael Ron Christopher and Mrs. Josann Mulchansigh-Christopher, the event served as a testament to the transformative power of education and the indomitable spirit of the USC community.
As the curtains drew to a close, the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2024 left an indelible mark, inspiring a new generation of leaders committed to shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all.
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