Seven teenagers have recently been selected as finalists in a competition to win an academic scholarship, as well as the opportunity to participate in an international beauty pageant. This was according to Johan Daniels, co-founder of the local non-profit organisation S&J Community Hearts (SJCH). Daniels is also the Sir Magnificent Men and Women International (MWI) title holder for international ambassador 2022.
SJCH collaborated with MWI International to introduce its first annual scholastic scholarship program to the Stellenbosch community, explained Daniels.
On 12 April, SJCM visited Pieter Langeveldt Primary School, Cloetesville High School, Rietenbosch Primary School and Kylemore High School to announce the seven finalists in the program. This was according to Sonja Adonis, co-founder of SJCH and the Miss MWI International Elite 2022 title holder.
The seven finalists stood out among over 150 applications, according to Daniels. “The seven finalists were Julian Katts, Brinay Katts, Kaylin Jacobs, Sade Baron, Johnica Daniels, Terri Lee Hafit and TKeyah Lindoor,” said Daniels.
(Pictured above) Sade Brown and Johnica Daniels, students from Rietenbosch Primary, after being announced as two of the seven finalists. PHOTO: Kara van der Merwe
The winner, to be announced on 3 June, will receive an R8 000 cash prize directed towards their education, said Naomi Horne, vice president of MWI International. They will also represent South Africa at the MWI/MMI/Phenomenal International event, hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2024, added Horne.
“The grand coronation will commence on Saturday, 3 June, with the crowning of the very first SJCH Scholastic Scholarship Miss,” explained Horne.
“It is important to give back to your community,” said Sonja Adonis and Johan Daniels, co-founders of the S&J Community Hearts non-profit organisation and former students of Cloetesville High School. PHOTO: Kara van der Merwe
Road to victory
“The hard work has just begun,” said Daniels.
The finalists now have to create a 15 minute video where they identify challenges faced by their school and community, and ways they can make a difference in these communities, explained Daniels.
They will also attend a workshop hosted by Andries du Preez, president of MWI Africa, where “tips and tricks” of the pageant world will be shared, added Daniels.
Through this process, one of the seven students with the most potential will be selected as the winner, according to Adonis.
Future plans
“We are humbled to be a part of the journey and to help a young mind blossom,” Daniels added.
Next year, they will – through SJCH – introduce a similar program to boys in the community, said Adonis.
Johan Daniels, co-founder of the S&J Community Hearts organisation, elaborates on the motivation behind the first annual scholastic scholarship program that recently launched in Stellenbosch. VIDEO: Kara van der Merwe