CedarBridge Prepares For 2025 Pageant
[Written by Vejay Steede]
CedarBridge Academy is preparing to celebrate excellence, resilience, and youth leadership as the 2025 Mr. and Miss CedarBridge Academy Pageant approaches. This year’s theme, “Victorious Vibes,” promises a fresh, inspiring twist on one of the school’s most cherished traditions.
The roots of the Mr. and Miss CBA Pageant stretch back nearly three decades – and well beyond Bermuda’s shores. The idea was born in Huntsville, Alabama, where Business Education teacher Mr. Dean Foggo trained under Mrs. Veronica Haley of Butler High School. During his time there, Mrs. Haley introduced Mr. Foggo to the concept of a “Beauty Walk,” which was an annual showcase of up to 100 young ladies strutting their power, confidence, and creativity in a structured, celebratory environment. Mr. Foggo was inspired.
When he returned to Bermuda, Mr. Foggo sought to bring a similar experience to CedarBridge Academy. In April 1998, the very first Mr. and Miss CBA Pageant was staged with 15 contestants, among them students who would later become notable figures in Bermuda’s creative and entrepreneurial communities, including Jamila Simons Mallory in bodybuilding, Akil Darrell of Hot Air Luxury Designs, renowned entertainer Ryan Bean, and top local deejay, Selecta Fray.
This year’s pageant continues to evolve, while honouring the spirit of its beginnings. The 2025 competition consists of three major scenes designed to reveal the depth, personality, and leadership potential of each contestant. The event opens with “The Entrance of Victory,” where participants recite the pageant creed. Though each student presents the same words, they are challenged to stand out through delivery, conviction, and presence.
The second segment introduces a bold new direction. Known as the “Victorious Vibes Showcase,” it replaces the traditional talent segment with a more personal and expressive performance. Guided by the tagline “Victory isn’t just a moment – it’s a mindset,” contestants will share what victory means to them in their own unique way. Whether framed through personal growth, academic triumph, emotional resilience, or contributions to the CedarBridge community, the aim is to communicate authenticity, confidence, and strength.
The evening culminates with the timeless elegance of the evening wear segment. Contestants take the stage one by one before responding to a final question meant to reveal their clarity of thought, poise, and ability to engage the audience.
Throughout the program, judges will look for contestants who embody the pageant’s overarching theme from start to finish. This includes sincerity in reciting the creed, meaningful insight during the Victorious Vibes Showcase, refined presentation during the evening wear portion, and confident communication in their responses. Charisma, stage presence, and the ability to make an emotional connection also play essential roles. Ultimately, the crowns will be awarded to those who demonstrate consistency, authenticity, and a compelling sense of leadership across all stages of the night.
The responsibilities of the winners will extend far beyond the spotlight. As CedarBridge moves further into its vision of a Student Led Campus, Mr. and Miss CBA will join the school’s leadership team and help shape a new student-driven annual program. One proposed initiative includes visiting parish primary schools to mentor younger students – an idea that aligns perfectly with the pageant’s emphasis on character, service, and community.
The Mr. and Miss CBA Pageant has a history of producing accomplished alumni, from Javon Zuill of DavidRose Studio and Antonia Mills Holder of DigiRoo to Kamel Dickinson of Cut2fitbda, along with past contestants such as Cushi Ming [Mr. CBA 2003-04], Maya Palacio [Media Maya], Cami Bean-Caines, Rikkai Scott, and Lateef Trott. Their achievements reflect the pageant’s role in nurturing confidence, leadership, and creativity in young people.
This year’s contestants – the Class of 2026 – represent a vibrant and diverse group: Akeira Trott-Saltus, Ja’Shay Trott, Xola Burch, Angel O’Loughlin, Star Abdullah, Amilia Thompson, Keon Stevens, Thomas Furtado, and Maxwell Lawrence III. A touching new feature will be included this year as well – the recorded voices of loved ones will play in the background as each contestant walks their walk during the evening wear parade. This will, again, bring a strong sense of community and support for these remarkable young people.
Mr. Anthony Wade, former Social Studies teacher and Deputy Principal of CedarBridge Academy, will capture the evening’s highlights through photography – a task he has committed to for many years now. In addition to Mr. and Miss CBA, there will be recognition for Mr. and Miss Photogenic and Mr. and Miss Congeniality on the night.
As CedarBridge Academy looks ahead to this special night, “Victorious Vibes” promises to be not just a pageant, but a celebration of perseverance, talent, and personal growth. From its early beginnings in the American South, to its modern role as a beacon of student empowerment, the Mr. and Miss CBA Pageant continues to reflect the spirit and promise of CedarBridge’s young leaders, reminding us that victory is not just a moment, but a mindset.
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