The Optimist Club of Antigua hosted its annual pre-teen pageant, The Optimist Petit Show, on Sunday, attracting a lively group of pre-teen boys and girls eager to showcase their talents.

This year’s event is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the club’s dedication to this unique pageant.

Described as “not your typical pageant,” the Optimist Petit provides a platform for children aged 9 to 11 to exhibit their skills across several categories.
According to a club spokesperson, participants competed in three judged segments: talent, personality, and aspiration.

Additionally, participants demonstrated their interviewing skills, along with performing an opening number and showcasing evening/party wear, which were not subject to judging.

Ten-year-old Jahzia Reid, a student from Sunnyside School sponsored by Auto Craze Parts and Accessories, claimed the title of overall winner.

The first runner-up was Shatoya Kendall, also 10, a student at Five Islands Primary School and sponsored by Civil Engineering and Associated Services.

The second runner-up was 11-year-old Azalyah Ambrose, from Pigotts Primary School and sponsored by Millennium Brokerage and Equipment Services.

The third runner-up was Jaedah Baird, a 10-year-old student at Villa Primary School, sponsored by Glenn’s Pet Paradise.

This year featured nine delegates—eight girls and one boy—all competing for the prestigious title. The event took place at the UWI Global Campus.