Bermuda's teens took the centre stage on Saturday night with two beauty pageants organised by the Portuguese Cultural Association and CedarBridge Academy.

More than 300 people filled the assembly hall at the Bermuda High School for Girls and watched as 16-year-old Clesia Realejo crowned the second Miss Teen Portugal.

And hundreds filled the new Ruth Seaton James auditorium at CedarBridge to watch the crowning of Jamila Simons and Sidney Fray as the first Miss and Mr.

CedarBridge.

Also crowned on Saturday night was 11-year-old Diana Rodrigues as the Miss Mini Teen Portugal.

The pageants were seen by both the school and the association as important in developing young people.

Guidance counsellor at CedarBridge Sandra Dill said the pageant was a good way to boost school spirit in the new school.

Miss and Mr. CedarBridge received several prizes including brunches at Sonesta Beach and Grotto Bay hotels, vouchers for shopping at Hamilton stores, and travel vouchers.

They were crowned by the outgoing principal, Ernest Payette, and his newly announced replacement, Kalmar Richards.

The judging panel included Senator Patrice Paris, lawyer Renee Foggo, and journalist Vicki Abraham.

The PCA's pageant featured Portuguese teen idol Shawn Fernandes who performed and escorted some of the girls onstage.

Mr. Fernandes said he was surprised at the overwhelming response of the audience to his performance.

"I love Bermuda,'' he said after performing. "I love the weather and the people and the community.'' Ms Realejo and Ms Rodrigues will be taking part in local May 24 activities and will be travelling to a major Portuguese festival in Boston, Massachusetts later this summer.

The voting in the Miss Teen Portugal pageant was tabulated by the Bermuda Government Auditor's Department.

The judges included lawyer Hil DeFrieas, dance instructor Elizabeth Pimental, and accountant Ricky Lopes.

The girls got round trip tickets to anywhere in Canada courtesy of Air Canada, diamond earrings, and Ms Realejo won a Gucci watch.

The pageant is part of the PCA's celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of Portuguese immigration to Bermuda.