Red carpets, runways and resplendent refinement raised the roof as West Ridge High School held a high-energy, high-class Mr and Miss West Ridge High School pageant.
Held over two days to cram in the abundance of talent, the juniors had their moment on the catwalk on March 15 while the seniors brought the glamour with a March 16 display of class. Impressing the judges was no easy ask as the panel featured several of Johannesburg’s most sought-after emerging content creators and influencers.
Professional model, co-founder of the Miss Gauteng Exclusive beauty pageant platform and MissGE foundation, Annwen Jordan, joined presenter, talk show host, content creator, and influencer, Abigail Visagie, at the four-women table. Two-time SAMA and Metro FM award- winning singer-songwriter, serial entrepreneur and founder of EndGirlHate, LeAnne Dlamini, rounded out the quartet with Nomfundo Mabona, social media marketing agency owner and branding connoisseur.
Roping the inspirational women together for the event was West Ridge High educator and former pageant beauty, Varene Wilson. “The past two years have been extremely hard on us all. We wanted to give our learners hope, so it was important to bring in judges that the youth looks up to. The judges all have the same thing in common, they seek to inspire others to dream big every day of their lives and back it up with meaningful contributions to society,” said Varene, herself a finalist in both the 2017 Miss Earth and 2017 Miss Commonwealth pageants.
Given multiple opportunities to shine, the juniors were judged on three categories – school wear, casual wear and evening wear. The senior section oozed brilliance, meaning sport wear and career wear were added to make five categories. “A pageant is a way for kids to learn important life skills while also having fun. It’s a platform for them to learn the difference between winning and losing, while also gaining friendships and learning more about themselves. Competing in pageants gives learners more confidence; develops social skills, poise, personality and confidence and fosters goals” said Varene.
In the junior section, Lesego Mogkotu and Lethabo Macheru were 1st and 2nd Princess, Reabetswe Mosia and Asakhe Cengimbo were 1st and 2nd Prince and Omphile Keamogetse Masilo was awarded most photogenic. The junior queen’s crown was given to Dakalo Monyadziwa while Sibusiso Msimanga was awarded Mr West Ridge Junior as well as picking up the Mr Congeniality title.
It was raining awards in the senior section with Noluthando Nkosi winning Miss Congeniality and Lungile Mosokotso being judged as most photogenic. Thabani Ndlela and Ofentse Mvimbi finished as the 1st and 2nd Princes before Kentse Orefemetse Modisane placed the Mr West Ridge High crown on his head. 1st and 2nd Princess titles went to Shibah Vikile and Nompumelelo Mbali Shelembe, with Lungile Mosokotso being crowned Miss West Ridge High.
Varene thanked Miss Mogashoa, Miss Mavundla and Miss Mabaso for assisting with organising duties. The event was made possible by sponsors Pushpa Boutique, Africa Brand, Bespoek, Less Is More Events and EndGirlHate. Additionally, thanks to Personalized Gifts By Daisy, Makeup by Carla-Leigh, J&S Sushi and Zykode Office Systems.
