Nathan Wilson and Maia Bento-Fray have been crowned Mr CedarBridge and Miss CedarBridge respectively.

The students of CedarBridge Academy beat out fellow students to the top prizes at a special ceremony at the school on Saturday evening.

This year attracted three male and seven female contestants.

Kenyari Dotting was first runner up and Gregory Talbot was second runner up for the title of Mr CedarBridge, while Siniah Lambe and Kailee Spring won first and second runner up for the Miss CedarBridge accolade respectively.

Mr Dotting and Ms Spring were crowned Mr Photogenic and Miss Photogenic respectively, and Mr Wilson and Ms Lambe were named Mr Congeniality and Miss Congeniality respectively.

A spokesperson for the event, called 25 Years of Excellence marking the pageant’s anniversary year, said: “The night was filled with joyous moments during the sold-out event.

“Each student recited the pageant creed and presented their career aspiration with many noting how their parents or a teacher inspired them to make their career choice.

“Students were also judged on their presentation and how they carried themselves in their evening wear.”

The audience were given an overview of the history of the pageant which was started by Dean Foggo, a former CedarBridge Academy teacher and year head.

Mr Foggo, who was the Bermuda Education Network’s 2021 Outstanding Teacher of the Year, said he was inspired to launch the pageant after learning of a similar event in Alabama called the Beauty Walk.

Veronica Haley, who taught and mentored Mr Foggo during his teacher training, was in attendance.

All of this year’s judges were previous winners of the Mr and Miss CedarBridge Pageant – Jahnae Harvey, Shayla-Gilbert, Maya Palacio, Cushi Ming and Rashae Bean.

The spokesperson added: “During the evening, former contestants and winners were celebrated. The pageant continues to be a major fundraiser for the school’s senior prom.

“The Class of 2023 would like to thank all of the sponsors who supported the pageant with prizes and donations.

“The participants, all students of excellence, excelled with immeasurable experiences as they were mentored during the programme. CedarBridge Academy continues to cultivate Bermuda’s achievers.”