Aaliyah Bernard is Laventille Girls Government Primary's first Easter Queen. The 11 year-old beat 17 other contestants at the school's first Easter Bonnet Competition and Fashion Show, held on Wednesday 27.
The standard four pupil scored the highest points in the three categories–best Easter dress, modelling and Easter bonnet, leaving Shadelle John and Sydney Bonaparte in third and second place respectively.
Bernard wore a yellow dress embellished with flowers, embroidery, rhinestones, butterflies and lace with matching bonnet and basket. The dress was decorated by her aunt Joanne Kingsale who screamed and jumped up and down when her niece's name was announced as the winner.
Kingsale said she and daughter Genelle Bharat spent long hours working with Bernard, teaching her how to model and engage the audience. She said she was particularly happy for Bernard as she had become quite introverted after losing her mother to gun violence some eight years ago.
Bernard said she felt extremely happy and next year, she will do her best to retain her crown.
Earlier, Principal Rosemarie Walke said the decision was taken to host the show as a way of encouraging students to come to school as most stay at home during the week before the Easter vacation. She said the students have engaged in many activities this week, from participating in a treasure hunt to learning how to make Easter bonnets, post cards and eggs.
Each class was also responsible for creating banners to reflect the different aspects of Easter. Walke said she was also pleased that the media took the time to attend the event, as much of the positive strides such schools make, are not often highlighted.
The event was sponsored by Republic Bank, Scotia Bank and Ramesh and Leela Supermarket.