At the end of it all, only five of them were left. Five intelligent, beautiful, socially-conscious young women who have proven that the future of pageantry in The Bahamas is secure. The audience held its collective breath as the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies announced the names of the runners-up in the Miss Teen Bahamas International Pageant:

Fourth runner-up: Kimberly Stuart

Third runner-up: Santina Darrel

Second runner-up: Briealessa Wilson

Then there were two: Tia Simone Thompson and Shannen Knowles were called to centre of the stage, where they gripped each other's hands, no doubt completely oblivious to the Master of Ceremonies as he explained the importance of the role of first runner-up, in the event the eventual winner could not fulfill her duties as queen. A range of emotions swept across the faces of the two remaining finalists as members of the audience shouted messages of support for the contestant of their choice. When all was said and done, Ms. Knowles was announced as the first runner-up. A radiant smile graced the face of Tia Thompson, even as tears flooded her cheeks, as she was named Miss Teen Bahamas International 2014 on Sunday, 1st June, before a capacity crowd at the Rainforest Theatre in the Wyndham Cable Beach Hotel, Nassau.

Throngs of enthusiastic supporters and avid pageant-goers converged on Cable Beach to witness the stunning spectacle of dazzling dresses, high fashion and dance numbers that rivaled the best of Las Vegas. The show opened with the incredible voice of promising young talent, Carrington Mckenzie, who delivered a rousing version of the National Anthem. Once formalities had been dispensed with and the curtains were swept aside, the crowd roared as the ten contestants took to the stage to show why they were the perfect candidates for this year’s pageant.

As the evening progressed, the audience was treated to video footage of the twelve week enrichment programme that comprises the Miss Teen Bahamas International pre-pageant itinerary. The programme includes Make-Up Application, Self-Defense, Boot camp, Communication & Public Speaking, Modeling and Film Production. Up for grabs were such titles and prizes as the “Mizani Girl” (captured by Briealessa Wilson); Global Youth Representative (for the best Public Service Announcement), which went to Cyntiche Taylor; Miss World’s Perfect was awarded to Shannen Knowles, the SuperModel winner with the contract with Major Model Management agency in New York City went to Cadisha Knowles inclusive of work permit, portfolio, apartment, compensation and air travel and celebrity photography. And the national title holder for Tia Thompson will represent The Bahamas at the Miss Teen International competition, which will be held in Jacksonville, Florida, from July 31st through August 2nd.The young queen, said she intends to fulfill her mission to fight against cyber bullying.

Organizers say that it was one of their best events ever and they anticipate it will grow exponentially with the help of corporate Bahamas.