Former Miss Commonwealth Bahamas, Deana North

Grand Bahama, Bahamas -  It's just days away, and Star Model Management will host the first official selection for a Bahamas representative to Manhunt International 2012 which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand.  The Manhunt International contest is the largest and longest running male modeling contest in the world and is franchised to more than 70 countries worldwide. It is opened to aspiring males and provides them with a platform to launch their international modeling career. 

"The Ultimate Girls Night Out!"  Manhunt Bahamas will be the door opening for the young Bahamian male who wants to pursue a career in the professional world of modeling. Taking place at the Treasure Bay Casino the Pageant Preliminary Swimwear Judging and Contestant Mix N’ Mingle for Manhunt International Bahamas will be held on Friday September 22 as well as the Final Night of Competition September 23, 2012, where the official Bahamas’ representative to Manhunt International will be named. 

Our panel of six huntress judges come with years of experience in the field of modeling, education, beauty and talent pageants; one could say they all know what it takes to be a winner and stand on a stage before a large crowd. Making that difficult choice will be: Former Miss Commonwealth Bahamas, Deana North; Nikie Severe, Miss Grand Bahama 2009; Kristie Farah, Miss Grand Bahama 2012; Megan Coakley, Cinderella Teen 2002-03; Patricia Sweeting, Miss Talented Grand Bahama; and Shantell Hall, Miss World Bahamas 2003.

So how will they be judged? Oswald Ellis, event organizer says, "The winner of Manhunt International Bahamas will be selected by his personality and ability to communicate with the judges, his physical good looks, and his model persona / technique.  While some models may appear more popular and experienced than others, it will not be the deciding factor.  The manhunt International Bahamas must meet the international requirements, and the judges are fully prepared to select such a winner."

Let’s meet Huntress #1 Former Miss Commonwealth Bahamas Deanna North is also serving as a juror. A native of Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, Deanna lived in the United States for several years where she obtained with ‘highest honors’ three degrees: Master of Education in Special Education LD/MR, A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and an Associate of Arts Degree before settling on the island of Grand Bahama where she now resides and has been teaching for the past fifteen years.

During this capacity she has held the title of ‘grade level coordinator’ for several years assisting administration in the area of educational development, social growth and physical maturation of each child. She was also a nominee for ‘Teacher of the Year’ at her school. As a teacher she deems it necessary to play an active role in her students’  lives by having monthly meetings exclusively with her female students that allows for them to be free to ask questions related to any social maladies as well as fun filled activities outside of the school forum. She has become a mentor for most of her past students that have since graduated and attends high school and college abroad.  

She was a former Miss Commonwealth Bahamas who in 1994 represented her country in the Miss World Competition. During her youthful years she modeled locally and internationally, specifically the USA.  Deanna North will serve as chairman of the judges.  

Nikie Severe, Miss Grand Bahama 2009

Huntress #2 former Miss Grand Bahama Nikie Severe is 28 years and an alumnus of Freeport Anglican High School (BMES).  She is presently pursuing a degree in Business Management at Terreve College on Grand Bahama Island.   

As Miss Grand Bahama 2009/2010 Nikie had the opportunity to participate in other pageants in both Asia and South America.  She has developed a love for modeling and has participated in many fashion shows; most recently she was one of the featured models for Cia Monet Beauties at Brunch.  Nikie loves travelling, meeting people, reading and of course fashion.  

She believes that empowerment is a continuous process, and that all who make the effort towards their goals are deserving of success.  

Kristie Farah, Miss Grand Bahama 2012

Huntress #3 19 year old Kristie Farah, was crowned Miss Grand Bahama 2012 earlier in the year, she is a sophomore and aspiring Periodontist.  From the age of 6 she had a love for the stage and pageants; she was crowned a Cinderella queen and travelled to Las Vegas, Nevada to represent the Bahamas at the Miss Cinderella International Pageant.  

Kristie enjoys soccer, dance, swimming, tutoring and volunteering at the local Cancer Association.  As a high school senior she served as Student Council Vice President and graduated as an honors student ranking 5^th in her graduating class.  Enrolled at Winthrop University, South Carolina where she was the recipient of the International Ambassadors Scholarship as well as the Sherer Pre Dental Scholarship. In her time spent at Winthrop University she placed on the dean’s list each semester with an average of 3.72 and above each term. At Winthrop she was a member of the Global Learning Initiative committee, the Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society, the academic success center, and the Women Soccer Club. In 2011 she was accepted into the WISE program where she had the opportunity to learn more about teaching sciences and conducting research within biological fields.  

Today she has returned home to complete her studies. She views this move as an opportunity to become rooted within her community. Now, as Miss Grand Bahama 2012 she strives to embody confidence, strength and intelligence as a queen. She hopes to set an example for young women everywhere and to raise an awareness of Breast Cancer in the Bahamas.  She is now awaiting the opportunity of representing the Bahamas internationally at the Miss Tourism International pageant held in China as well as the Miss Coffee International pageant in Columbia.  

Megan Coakley, Cinderella Teen 2002-03

Huntress #4 Born in 1985 Megan Coakley is a graduate of St. Georges High School where she participated as a JAG Dancer, Twirler, Stepper as well as Girls Club Member. As a teen Megan was crowned Cinderella Teen 2002-03 and represented the Bahamas at the international finals in Las Vegas, Nevada where she won 3 medals having placed in top 3 in three competitions.  

This stimulated her love for modeling and make-up artistry, when she is not on the runway she is busy behind the scenes making other models looks beautiful;  MawMakeup is her operating name ans she uses only MAC and Iman products on her clients.  

On the lighter side Megan enjoy her work as a Front Office hostess at the Radisson Grand Lucayan, her bubbly personality comes naturally so for now she is in the right job that suites her personality.  Like she says “it never hurts to make that side money” so she is not putting away the make-up brushes anytime soon.  

Patricia Sweeting, Miss Talented Grand Bahama

Huntress #5 Patricia Sweeting Graduated high school at the age of 15 and served as Deputy Head Girl, Senior Prefect and honor.  She is no stranger to competitions having been blessed with an amazing singing voice, she has won many National Arts Festival and most recent victory was only a few short months ago; competition in the Miss Talented Grand Bahama Pageant she emerged the eventual winner.  

None as the girl with the ‘dimples’ Patricia says her smile is her best weapon when faced in adverse situations.  She enjoys modeling and placed 2^nd in Miss Talented Grand Bahama Top Model Competition, she has a new love for travelling since being crowned Miss Talented Grand Bahama as it has already provided her with the opportunity to attend the 2012 Miss Bahamas World/Universe Pageant in Nassau; Patricia says “it was a great experience, I am looking forward to serving my year, showing my talent and encouraging young ladies to follow their dreams.  When you are helping yourself the support will automatically come from those around you.”  

Shantell Hall, Miss World Bahamas 2003

Huntress #6 At the tender age of 4, Shantell Hall competed and captured her first beauty pageant crown.  But it would not be until the age of 17 for her to return to pageants.  She has held the title as Miss Teen Galaxy 2001, Miss World Bahamas 2003 and Miss Bahamas International 2004.  Shantell has represented the Bahamas at the 2003 Miss World Pageant held in Sanya China and 2004 Miss International Pageant held in Japan.  Although she did not win, Shantell was chosen by Global Beauties among the top 50 most beautiful women to compete in the 5 biggest international pageants held that year and was also selected as the best representative from the Caribbean.
 
During her modelling career she has graced the pages of Jet Magazine and many catwalks in The Bahamas.  Miss Hall is currently focusing of her career as the Assistant Manager of Client Care at a local financial institution and she continues to express her love for the world of pageantry by being a committee member of the Miss Grand Bahama Pageant 2012.
 
Shantell enjoys travelling having visited some 10 different countries since she first discovered this passion a few years ago. She is an active member of her community most recently becoming a member of the Keep Grand Bahama Clean Committee – protecting the natural beauty of our island.