Kaynia Minnis of The Bluff, North Eleuthera, a sixth grade student at Laura L. Anderson Primary is spearheading a gift drive this Christmas season, “To make children smile,” she said, adding that, “every kid deserves to be happy at Christmas!” With the theme, ‘Share Joy, Give A Toy’, young Kaynia is encouraging Eleuthera residents to help by donating educational toys, books, or anything positive that can bring Christmas cheer to a less fortunate child, between the ages of 4 and 12. The drive is ongoing every day until December 24th. Monetary donations to help purchase gifts are also being accepted. For more information, the public are encouraged to contact: 242-554-5493 or 242-472-0299.
Kaynia was also one of seven young ladies who flew to San Antonio, Texas to represent the Bahamas at the 2019 International Junior Miss Pageant which took place from July 2nd, through July 8th, 2018. Included in the team was Kaniesha Minnis, her mom, who was appointed their first ever ‘Ms. Bahamas’ title by the pageant in honour of their 10th Year Anniversary.
It was a week of fun-filled events where more than 300 females ages 4-25 and 21-45 traveled from as far as Australia, and enjoyed regular pageant activities along with orientation, a full night of pajama parties, ’80’s day’ and ‘blue day.’
She competed in the pre-teen division, ages 10-12 years, with 66 girls in her division. “It was truly an experience of a lifetime that I wish I can do every year!” said Kaynia. She was also recently installed as prefect for a second year and voted class president in a mock election at her school in North Eleuthera and is hoping to represent and serve as promised to the best of her ability. Quite active in school events, she captured first place in the school’s Religious Knowledge Speech Competition recently as well, with the theme, ‘The Missing Peace’. She also represented her school at the district competition.
At the IJM Pageant 2018 awards, Kaynia was able to bring home three trophies and a memorable plaque. Out of a group of 66 young ladies, she was able to attain a Spirit Award, 4th Runner-up in the Talent Competition, 2nd Runner-up in the Spokesmodel (Speech) Competition and a plaque for Outstanding Participation. Her mom also placed, bringing home a Spokesmodel Competition trophy in her division. Other Bahamas team members won a number of awards in their divisions as well. The IJM Bahamas Pageant held in Freeport, Grand Bahama takes place once again in February 2019.
