WINNING SMILES: Winners of the 21st annual Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant strike a pose at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, on Sunday. (L-R) Jheannelle Johnson, Little Miss Jamaica Florida; Monet McFarlane, Junior Miss Jamaica Florida; Jessica Waite, Teen Miss Jamaica Florida and Shanice Cox, Miss Jamaica Florida. – Photo by DAVIDiPhoto.com

Copping the top spots were Little Miss Jamaica Florida, Jheannelle Johnson, Junior Miss Jamaica Florida, Monet McFarlane, Teen Miss Jamaica Florida, Jessica Waite and Miss Jamaica Florida, Shanice Cox.

Contestants ages 5- 21, competed in four age categories for a coveted title at a Coronation Ceremony. Twenty-five young ladies showcased their talents through a creative expression in song, dance, theatre or cinema, followed by a question and answer segment during a live interview. This year the audience was also treated to a moving melodic tribute to Jamaica’s cultural icon, the late Rex Nettleford choreographed by Rev. Shirley Jones and Sharon Ashley-Mitchell.

Two of the winners were an ideal testament to that 'sticktuitive' character that the pageant works so hard to inspire within its participants. The newly crowned Junior Miss – Monet McFarlane and Teen Miss – Jessica Waite competed in last year’s competition, but did not win the title. This year, they were more diligent in their preparation, learned from their missteps and came back with a burning desire to accomplish their goal – and they did.

The newly crowned Ambassadors will receive a week-long all expenses paid trip to Jamaica, with accommodations provided by the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa. The ambassadors will meet with government officials and participate in humanitarian projects adopted by the Partners for Youth Foundation. The trip will also include visits to famous tourist attractions and national landmarks across the island as well as a prize packed filled with a number of beautiful gifts to celebrate their win. These four ladies will also participate in numerous cultural activities in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties throughout their year long reign.