There was tears of joy and great excitement when local Stellenbosch-based NPO Support of Community Hearts (SOCH) and MWI/MMI International, a US-based pageantry company, named its seven finalists for its annual Scholastic Scholarship Programme on Sunday (30 June).
Parents, supporters and finalists from across the Cape gathered at the Eikestad Hall in Cloetesville for the announcement at an event dubbed “High Tea with a Difference – the community gives back”. The event was also attended by Terry-Lee Haffit, a resident of Kylemore, and the current Miss MWI/MMI Scholastic Scholarship.
The learners have all submitted entry forms, along with their report cards, and performed various community outreach work in the lead up to the announcement.
Aimee de Koker from Kylemore High School, Cloetesville High School learners Miscka van Wyk and Julian Katts, Martino Appollis from Calling Academy, Brinay Katts from Pieter Langeveldt Primary School and Heiman Jacobs from Rietenbosch Primary School are the seven finalists who will be jetting off to Thailand next month.
Before the big announcement, SOCH deputy president Kyle Adams welcomed all to the joyous event, which was followed by an address by Sonja Adonis, the current Miss MWI/MMI International Elite and SOCH president. With the anticipation growing, a live stream from the USA followed, with MWI/MMI International president Cynthia Naomi Keitt making the announcement of the seven finalists for the scholastic scholarship.
“This scholarship is all about education and outreach work,” Adonis explained. “The eventual winner/beneficiary will be announced in Thailand, where the local finalists will compete against youths from across the globe.”
Apart from glamorous attire and other outings and goodies on their international trip, the finalists’ accommodation and travel expenses will be covered by MWI/MMI International. The youths will now prepare for their trip to Asia, which takes place from Sunday 18 to Sunday 25 August.
Adonis will also crown her successor as Miss MWI/MMI International Elite, while Haffit will handover her crown as Miss MWI/MMI Scholarship Scholastic 2024.
