Ten students representing Caribbean nations and campus clubs have begun their journey toward the University of the Southern Caribbean’s (USC) Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2027, following their official introduction during USC Pulse on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The delegates entered the USC Auditorium to enthusiastic applause, making their way through the audience before assembling on stage. One by one, they introduced themselves, shared their academic backgrounds and offered a glimpse of the perspectives they hope to bring to this year’s competition.
Their presentation opened the first USC Pulse assembly of the 2026–2027 academic year. Held every Monday, Pulse serves as the University’s weekly assembly, bringing students together for spiritual reflection and engagement with campus life. The introduction of the 2027 delegates added a celebratory atmosphere to the semester’s opening gathering, particularly as USC prepares to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
This year’s competition, themed “A Century of Excellence: USCians Shaping Sustainable Communities,” focuses on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which addresses the development of inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities.
For the delegates, the theme presents an opportunity to examine issues affecting Caribbean societies through the perspectives of their respective academic disciplines, with research forming a substantial part of their journey toward the March 21, 2027, scholarship pageant.
The ten delegates represent a cross-section of USC’s Caribbean student community, with academic interests spanning theology, business management, biology, computing and criminology.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda through the South Leeward Club is Mr. Colin Ainsworth, a BA Theology student, while Dominica is represented by Ms. Neivelle Felix, who is pursuing a BBA in Management.
Ms. Jahzara Johnson, a BS Biology student, represents Guyana, and Mr. Tajaé Lawrence, pursuing a BS in Computing, represents Jamaica.
St. Lucia has two delegates: Mr. Joash Samuel, who is pursuing degrees in Business Management and Theology, and Ms. Teri-Ann Esperance, a BS Biology student.
Representing the VINADA Club, which brings together students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, are Ms. Donniesa Yearwood, pursuing a BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Mr. Ronmel Horne, a BA Theology student.
Completing the delegation are two representatives of Trinidad and Tobago: Ms. Dayna Cox, a BBA Management student, and Mr. Aalon Peters, who is pursuing a BS in Computing.
Although united by a common theme, the delegates’ introductory remarks revealed different interests and approaches to sustainable community development.
For Yearwood, the conversation begins with how people experience life within their communities.
“I believe sustainability begins with people,” she told the audience, explaining that communities are strengthened when individuals feel valued, supported and protected.
Lawrence, meanwhile, hopes to draw on his computing background to investigate technology-driven solutions that can connect communities and support local development.
Esperance expressed an interest in examining SDG 11 through the lens of biology, while Peters spoke about encouraging greater awareness of sustainable living and community development.
“I want to encourage each of us not only to hope for a better future, but to become active participants in creating lasting change,” Peters told the gathering.
These early reflections suggest that the delegates will approach the competition with ideas informed by their studies and experiences, bringing different perspectives to a development goal that has particular relevance across the Caribbean.
While the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant is perhaps best known for its cultural presentations and talent performances, academic research is among the most heavily weighted components of the competition.
Each delegate will undertake a research project aligned with SDG 11, investigating an aspect of sustainable community development and presenting findings for assessment.
The written research project accounts for 30% of the overall score, while the oral presentation contributes another 10%. Together, these components represent 40% of the total assessment that will determine the eventual Mr. and Miss USC 2027.
The delegates will present their research findings on Monday, March 1, 2027, before a University audience, with the presentations also livestreamed for members of the public.
This emphasis on research carries particular significance during USC’s centennial year, as the University seeks to strengthen undergraduate research and encourage students to apply their academic training to contemporary challenges.
By examining SDG 11, delegates will have an opportunity to investigate issues such as community resilience, environmental sustainability, access to essential services and the development of inclusive communities. Their findings will also demonstrate how undergraduate scholarship can contribute to wider discussions about the Caribbean’s development.
For an institution established in 1927, the centennial offers an occasion to consider how the next generation of graduates will contribute to the region’s future. Portraits of Excellence provides one avenue for students to begin that work while still pursuing their degrees.
Established in 2006, the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Programme has become a distinctive feature of USC’s student experience, recognising achievement while encouraging participants to develop their leadership abilities and contribute to their communities.
The 2027 staging will culminate on Sunday, March 21, 2027, when the delegates return to the USC Auditorium for the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant.
On that evening, they will present their talent and cultural wear pieces, showcasing their creative abilities and celebrating the Caribbean heritage represented within the competition. Their performances will contribute to the final assessment, alongside the research and other evaluated components completed throughout the programme.
The evening will conclude with the crowning of Mr. and Ms. USC 2027.
For the ten delegates who stepped onto the Pulse stage in September, that moment remains several months away. Between now and March, they will be called upon to investigate questions affecting their communities, defend their findings and demonstrate how their education can be applied beyond the classroom.
As USC approaches its centennial, their journey offers a timely expression of the University’s continuing investment in students who are prepared to contribute to the Caribbean communities they call home.
Relive the official presentation of the ten delegates during USC Pulse on September 14, 2026.
Watch the Replay:
USC PULSE – The Portraits of Excellence Edition!
View the Official Photo Album:
Stay connected for delegate features, research presentation updates and announcements leading up to the scholarship pageant.
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