WS Chronicle

Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. and partnering organizations announced the contestants of their inaugural Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant. Participants of the pageant are current or rising female high school students who attend Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. The Pageant takes place Saturday, June 17, at Paisley IB Magnet School, starting at 6 p.m. 

Stephanie Hurt, the Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant creator and director, says the pageant was created as a way to encourage and admirably spotlight young Black women in the local community. 

“It gives them a push to reach for their greatness and to believe they can achieve,” says Hurt.

For entry into the pageant, the young women had to have a 2.5 GPA or higher, plan to attend a historically Black college or university (HBCU), have an interest in leadership, have a desire to serve in the community, be of good character, and have a select platform issue.

As part of their pageant process, the young women will participate in community service, fundraising, and attend weekend workshops centered on life purpose, ancestral knowledge, talent and skill development, and more. 

The Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant, in addition to highlighting the skills, academics, and accomplishments of the young women, also seeks to uplift and honor their cultural heritage and boost their cultural appreciation.

Hurt, who also serves as the executive director for the Royal Curtain Drama Guild, is creating a surprise theatrical production during the pageant, to set it apart from other pageants and to honor the legacy of African American creativity, ingenuity, and excellence. 

“It’s going to be a wonderful presentation,” she says, “one that’s never been experienced before.”

The contestants of the 2022 Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant are:

*Kianna Andrews: Kianna Andrews is the daughter of Melvin and Nicole Andrews. Kianna attends Parkland High School. Her top HBCU choices are WSSU, NC A&T.

*Teoni Ingram: Teoni Ingram is the daughter of LaQuetta Best. Teoni attends Robert B. Glenn High School. Her top 3 HBCU choices are Howard, Hampton, and Spelman. 

*Zuri Sweatt: Zuri Sweatt is the daughter of James and Ulysesa Sweatt. Zuri attends West Forsyth High School. Her top 3 HBCU choices are NC A&T, Howard, and WSSU. 

*Leah Funches: Leah Funches is the daughter of Anthony and Loretta Funches. Leah attends Reagan High School. Her top 3 HBCU choices are NC A&T, Howard and WSSU.

*Destiny Vaughans: Destiny Vaughans is the daughter of Hylton and Jeanette Vaughans. Destiny attends Simon G. Atkins High School. She is still considering which HBCU she would like to attend.  

*Cha’Nijah Carter-Kelly: Cha’Nijah Carter-Kelly is the daughter of Patrick and Chiquetter Kelly. Cha’Nijah attends R.J. Reynolds High School. Her top 3 HBCU choices are NC A&T, Central, and Hampton.

*Cheyenne Brunson: Cheyenne Brunson is the daughter of Cassandra Brunson. Cheyenne attends West Forsyth High School. Her top HBCU choice is NC A&T.

*Cameron Brock: Cameron Brock is the daughter of Artivia Brock. Cameron attends Reagan High School. Her top 3 HBCU choices are Howard, WSSU, and Central.

*Deja Whitehurst: Deja Whitehurst is the daughter of Margaret Whitehurst. Deja attends Middle College of Forsyth. Her top  HBCU choices are NC A&T and Tuskegee University. 

*Shaniyae Simmons: Shaniyae Simmons is the daughter of Natisha and Sandra Simmons. Shaniyae attends Carter G. Woodson School. Her top 3 HBCU choices are Howard, FAMU, and NC A&T. 

*Addison Bonner: Addison Bonner is the daughter of Anthony and Karen Bonner. Addison attends Mt. Tabor High School. Her top HBCU choice is NC A&T.

*Ja’Nayziah Marsh-Glymph: Ja’Nayziah Marsh-Glymph is the daughter of Renee Marsh. Ja’Nayziah attends Reagan High School. Her top HBCU choices are NC A&T and WSSU.

*Kinley Copeland: Kinley Copeland is the daughter of Jackie and Angela Copeland. Kinley attends Reagan High School. Her top HBCU choices are Howard, Spellman, and NC A&T. 

For more information about Triad Cultural Arts, visit triadculturalarts.org.