That one time I judged a Pageant | #Storytime

Yes! I’m that short in “real life”

In light of our new direction and keeping things real, we will be bringing you more real-life stories and experiences. Today, I (Madame Haute) will share my experience about that one time I judged a Pageant.

This past February after my whirlwind experience at NYFW that was quicker than a New York Minute, I was invited by the students at the Mona Law Society to be a judge at a fast track competition for “Best Walk and Best Personality” for the Mr and Miss Law Pageant 2018 which would be held in March. I got there on time … waaay early as in my past life of being a Lifestyle Reporter, I always had to be on time and it became a habit.

Set on the rooftop of the Faculty of Law Building with a slight to moderate wind .. sunny day but not humid and manageable. As I looked to the left In came 2 ladies I recognized as people I went to high school with who were 2 grades older but you could not tell by looking as we literally all looked the same just with better grooming (no more bushy eyebrows like High School). One was a judge and Fashion Designer, the other a walking consultant and University Lecturer. It took a while for that competition to get started (2 hours delayed ) as the 2 other judges were late! Midway through the competition walks a male and female who I identified as a Blogger and Miss Jamaica World top 3 Finalist… who were fabulously attired and had a certain “air” that exuded confidence and festiveness. We all scored our favorite contestants who would continue in the hopes of becoming America’s Next Top Model .. joking ? “Mr and Miss Law 2018”.

My school mates and I

This took place a few weeks later in March at the same location but this time on the lawn. The Friday before the “Big Day” the brakes of my car decided to stop working so I was out of a car and stressed! On Saturday morning of the pageant, I was assisted with a ride to the hairdresser where I arrived at 3pm! Ladies! you know how it goes when you arrive at a Jamaican Hairdresser at 3pm — you will be there for a while, a looooong while! The Pageant was scheduled to start at 7pm and my hair was finished at 8:15 pm! Late plus tax! I quickly got home, showered, attempted to do “Make-up” and drove to the Pageant. Miraculously, my car was fixed in time and I could drive as I already defeated myself and decided I would not make it. I arrived a little after 9pm to see everyone seated and the contestants doing their opening number then they announced my name. Of course, I felt like Sh*t as I was now the judge who was late.

As the night progressed, we were taken on an interesting journey of talent pieces some captivating and some just “ok” as deemed by the audience who roared in applause as they saw their favorite contestants. We then got to the dreaded question and answer segment where we (judges) asked the contestants and then selected the winner based on performance, talent and best answer. In the end, Tara-Monae Smith was named “Miss Law 2018” and Nicholas Ranger “Mr. Law 2018”.

It turned out to be a fun experience and I’m excited to do more offline events like these in the coming months.

Congrats to Tara-Monae Smith and Nicholas Ranger and thank you to the Mona Law Society for inviting me.