The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant is a transformative journey that unfolds over several months, guiding student delegates through intentional academic, professional, and personal development. The pageant goes beyond competition to cultivate leadership, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and service-minded excellence among the University’s most promising students.
The journey culminates in a grand showcase on March 22, 2026, featuring vibrant cultural costume presentations, dynamic talent performances, and impromptu question responses. These segments challenge delegates to articulate informed, forward-thinking perspectives on development and growth in the Caribbean. At the conclusion of the final event, the male and female delegates with the highest overall scores will be crowned Mr. & Ms. USC, serving as official ambassadors of the University of the Southern Caribbean for one academic year and champions of youth leadership.
March 22nd 2026 at 5:30PM in USC Glass Auditorium
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is pleased to officially announce that His Excellency Kerwyn Garcia, S.C., First Gentleman of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, has been confirmed as Patron for the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Awards & Gala 2026.
With over thirty-two years of legal practice, His Excellency’s life and service demonstrate a longstanding commitment to youth development and cultural advancement. As Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever First Gentleman, he actively supports initiatives involving young people—perfectly aligning with USC’s legacy of nation-building and this year’s theme: “Empowering My Generation: Youth in Motion for Health and Hope.”
The People’s Choice Award gives the wider USC community the opportunity to be part of the Portraits of Excellence journey by casting a vote for the delegate who best embodies the spirit of excellence, leadership, and service. This award celebrates the delegate who connects most strongly with the public through character, confidence, and commitment to the pageant’s theme, “Empowering My Generation: Youth in Motion for Health and Hope.”
Each vote represents support for youth leadership, wellness advocacy, and positive impact. The delegate with the highest number of votes will be named the People’s Choice Award recipient, with the announcement made at the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant finale.
Your vote is your voice. Join us in uplifting the next generation of leaders.
