On the International Day of the Elderly, the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) hosted the 4th Annual Senior Pageant in the grand dining room of the St. Martin’s Home. This year’s celebration was an all-day affair, welcoming clients' families to witness and participate in a vibrant showcase of talent, creativity, and elegance.
PHILIPSBURG:--- WYCCF clients from across the organization competed in captivating segments, showcasing talents, costumes, and evening wear to an enthusiastic audience of family members, staff, and supporters. The event opened with a lively introduction, inviting attendees to celebrate the participants as they took center stage in a heartwarming and joyous display.
Talent Segment
In the talent competition, clients performed a variety of acts. Highlights from the female participants included Ms. Sylvia Monte’s moving rendition of the poem "I’m Still Here," which earned her the title of Best Talent. Ms. Inez Richardson and Ms. Beatrix Arrindell also wowed the audience with their dance performances. Male participants displayed unique talents, with Mr. Keith Gittens showcasing his skills as a steelpan player and Mr. Mikel Kruythoff captivating the audience with a powerful poem, winning him the title for Best Talent among the male contestants.
Costume Segment
Participants also dazzled in a creative costume segment, with each client’s attire reflecting their unique personalities. Ms. Meredith Dorothea’s floral-themed “Flowers in Bloom” won her the Best Costume title among the female contestants, while Mr. Keith Gittens delighted the crowd as “Aqua Man,” winning Best Costume for the male category.
Evening Wear Segment
Elegance was on full display during the evening wear segment, where Ms. Sylvia Monte and Mr. Karel Harregan were crowned winners for their graceful presence and style.
Popular Vote
Audience and staff participation were encouraged, with Ms. Inez Richardson and Mr. Ashley Philips voted as the event’s Popular Winners, showing the strong support and admiration of their peers and loved ones.
Overall Winners
The culmination of the event saw Ms. Sylvia Monte crowned as the Pageant Queen, with Ms. Elvira de Lannoy and Ms. Meredith Dorothea as first and second runners-up, respectively. For the men, Mr. Karel Harregan was named Pageant King, followed closely by Mr. Ricardo Thomas and Mr. Keith Gittens as runners-up.
A Grand Celebration
The day was filled with laughter, joy, and community spirit as clients, families, and WYCCF staff united in support of the participants. This year’s panel of professional judges carefully evaluated each performance based on criteria such as creativity, presentation, and crowd engagement, making it a tough competition for all.
Special Thanks
WYCCF extends its heartfelt gratitude to Liliane Hohl of CMA CGM shipping company who came with her team to volunteer on that day. Our contestants of the nursing home, and their family members who helped with the preparations and costumes—also Samara Care for the donation of a basket. Our kitchen staff and our chefs for cooking such a delicious lunch. The judges Ahmad Ahmiie Gumbs, Charissa Gumbs, Chalmarie Vlaun, Anna-lyse Eudovic, Jacqueline Jo-Baptist and MC Ms. Anna Richardson. The 2 volunteers who helped customize our sashes are Michelle Hodge and Gina Keling. The owner of Quiskeya Distribution Center, B.V., Mrs. Arlyn Latchman, and her 2 daughters, Carly Critchlow and Akayla Ally, helped us assemble and make our table centerpieces for our decoration. Our maintenance workers, Leva, and Roshane for staying back late to help us pack away everything and put things in place. Our Domestic workers for helping us clean up. Irene Kemper, her husband, and Mildred Lake, who served lunch and helped in our bar. Johanna and Melba who helped with the snacks. Michelle Hunte for preparing PG clients for the pageant and for getting our judges and MC together. The nurses, group leaders, and especially the event organizers, WYCCF Activity Coordinators Laurencia Marlin and Annick Hughes, who made this day a resounding success.
The continued tradition of the WYCCF Senior Pageant exemplifies the Foundation’s commitment to honoring each client's vibrancy, talents, and individuality.
The event was a beautiful tribute to our clients’ zest for life, reminding us all of the importance of family and community and celebrating the accomplishments of our seniors. We eagerly look forward to next year’s pageant and the inspiring moments it promises to bring!
All pictures of the clients in their beautiful costumes and performances can be found on the Facebook Page of the WYCCF: facebook/whiteandyellowcrosscarefoundation
