A year in reign she described as nothing short of amazing, Kaynia O’brea Charie Minnis, had the experience of a lifetime as the inaugural Bahamas National High School Queen, representing as Miss North Eleuthera High.
The 2024-2025 Queen and the King, Stanford McIntosh Jr, had an eventful year – with the opportunity to have visited schools throughout the Northern Bahamas, took advantage of awarded photoshoots, made special appearances at pageants and were invited as special guests at a number of events; they held their titles with pride.
Passing their crowns, on March 23rd, 2025 was said to be a hard pill that brought a ballroom full of tears. Although their reign is now complete, both still have an all-expense paid opportunity to attend and participate in the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit, scheduled for June in Washington, D.C. Kaynia has also been awarded the ‘World Imperial Beauties Bahamas Teen’ title and will represent the Bahamas in the World Imperial Beauties International Pageant during July, in Orlando, Florida.
Held at the Grand Lucayan Ballroom in Grand Bahama, the 2nd Annual Bahamas National High School pageant was dubbed as another successful event held by Director Darrol Stubbs and Co-Director Jar’Danell Bowe. Filled with emotion, the pageant brought excitement with an array of fashion and elegance. In 2024, Kaynia had the opportunity to compete against schools from across the country, including, Grand Bahama, Abaco, New Providence, Cat Island and from the very south, Inagua. This year, six new schools were introduced to the stage, including Samuel Guy Pinder All Age in Spanish Wells, represented by Amber Hudson.
North Eleuthera High School fully embraced the opportunity this year designating a Queen and King in addition to filling representative spots for the optional competitions of Goodwill Ambassador, Superstar and Top Model; namely, Shilah Scavella, Savannah Wood, Khyien Johnson, Bravae Roxbury-Minnis and Darren Woodside.
The weekend of March 20th to March 23rd, 2025, was an unforgettable experience for the forty-five students who sought to have their spotlight moment. Thursday set the pace with Orientation and a Leadership Conference where each school was allowed to showcase their mascots and chants – an icebreaker event to allow the competitors to get to know one another and become comfortable with each other. A panel of inspirational speakers increased the enthusiasm in the room, with empowering stories and advice. The day rounded out with a motorcade of decorated vehicles, showcasing the participants, starting from Lucaya and riding through all the surrounding residential areas.
Friday morning began with the optionals of Mister and Miss Communications and Goodwill Ambassador, followed by a courtesy call on the Ministry of Education in Grand Bahama and a photo-op. Friday wrapped up with an open-expression pajama night party, where students were able to build on the new friendships already initiated. Saturday was all about high-energy, beginning the day with competitions of talent and top model, to attain the BNHS Superstar and Top Model titles. After being treated to lunch, the Bahamas National High School Organization took the crew to Sanctuary Bay, to take part in a dolphin experience, that was lots of fun.
Christ the King Anglican Church, Grand Bahama, was selected as the official worship church for the pageant family, setting the tone for the biggest day of competition, The Bahamas National High School Pageant. Following the service, the King and Queen contestants completed their Judges’ Interview segment. Showtime set for 7pm, showcased an opening dance number, along with a school pride and evening wear segments, that engaged the audience.
Special awards were given to the optional title holders, and Jr. Mister North Eleuthera High, Khyien Johnson came home as Bahamas National High Schools’ Junior Superstar. The audience waited with anticipation – for the crowning of the new Kings and Queens which were captured by, Sr. & Jr. Miss Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Academy, Sr. Mister Sunland Baptist Christian Academy, and Jr. Mister Sherlin C. Bootle Secondary School.
Kaynia, shared that with her incredible experience both last year and in 2025, she would encourage schools and students alike to take the opportunity to be involved in and participate in the BNHS Pageants to come. “Not only is it incredibly fun, but it is a great learning experience, one to help improve confidence, poise, as well as one’s character. It is an avenue to create lasting memories and find wonderful friends from across the country. More than an organization, it helps you become part of a family that loves, fulfills and makes you feel that you belong.”
