Mr and Miss Grade R pageant a success

ABERDEEN NEWS — Learners and parents from the Thembalesizwe Creche joined parents, staff and learners from Luxolo Intermediate School recently for the annual Miss and Mr Grade R competition.

This event is held annually at the beginning of March and coincides with the school’s first Market Day for the year.

Every child in Grade R takes part, although for some it seemed to be something of an ordeal and there were a few tears on the day! The children first paraded around the hall as a group, all looking very smart in the school’s distinctive black and gold uniform.

Each child then had to walk around the room on their own, finishing with a bow in front of the judges. Members of the audience voiced their encouragement, with several seen bowing themselves to remind the more nervous little ones to bow to the judges at the end of their walk. The children exhibited very varying degrees of confidence, with some seemingly born to model, whereas others could not wait to get out of the hall!

After the initial round, semi -finalists were chosen, and then finalists. The children were judged on their confidence, wearing the correct uniform (here nearly every child was beautifully turned out), their smile, their walk, and general neatness of appearance. Judges Malusi Tinus, Zoliswa Rasi and John de Beer had a difficult time during the later rounds, as all those who made it through the preliminary round showed great poise and style.

In first place for the boys was Sange Pezi, with Sibusiso Hermanus and Lindokuhle Maneli in second and third place respectively. Sinothando Job was awarded the title of Miss Grade R, with runners up Likwezi Skosana (second place) and Eunice de Jaar in third.

During the breaks in the competition, a few people slipped out to buy refreshments at the market stalls, and after the winners were announced, there was a brisk trade in braai meat, curry and rice, salads, chips and sweets.