International Club and Student Association host World Pageant

A world of wonder awaits

Dozens of students, staff and faculty went wild with cheers, screams and applause as contestants made their way down the catwalk in the Thunderdome to compete in the 2022 World Pageant, hosted last Saturday by the Student Association and International Club.

While the organizers made the finishing touches to the event, attendees began by sampling international foods catered by local restaurants including Mexican, Italian and Asian entrees.

For the first segment of the evening, contestants displayed their outfits on the runway. Judges made note of the bright and beautiful costumes while the audience cheered in anticipation. The contestants walked or danced to music. The outfit portion was followed by an intermission performance from Diana Judge, while the performers got ready for the next part.

For the talent portion, the contestants brought the evening to a new level with traditional performances from their represented country. The first contestant Genesis Barahona-Rivera performed a poem about El Salvador. She was followed by Fortune Ogulere singing while representing Nigeria. The next contestants were Erin Cramer, Charles Metz and friends, who did a choreographed circus production of the opening song from the movie The Greatest Showman, representing the United States. Next up were Alexander Rodriguez and Cherryl Dianna Figueroa Cruz who performed a traditional Mexican dance in full dress. Karsang Gurung followed them with a dance representing Nepal. Arlyse Wash completed the talent portion with a dance performance representing Bermuda.

After an informative Q&A session and a show-stopping interlude dance from Lily Papalii and family, the judges announced the winners. Wash came in third place and Gurung came in second. Rodriguez and Cruz won first place and were crowned World Pageant King and Queen.

All contestants and attendees had an amazing time together for the last social event before finals. The show is a great representation of the diversity of our campus community and the many cultures we all come from.

By: Charles Metz