ANOTHER year, another crown - it's time again for the Miss Teen Bermuda Islands 2008 pageant. The pageant producer and director, Terry Smith of Tee'l Productions, believes the event has become "much more than a beauty pageant. It's more than a pretty face. Contestants have to possess conversational skills, confidence, personality, and a very positive personal presence on and off the pageant stage."

The event, in its eighth year, will be held on August 17 at 8 p.m. at City Hall in Hamilton.

Top prize includes more than $5,000 in cash and prizes and an all expenses paid trip to St. Kitts to participate in the illustrious 29th Annual Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant.

Mr. Smith said that contestants will have to dedicate a portion of their time to rehearsals for eight weeks leading up to the event but that their time will be well spent.

"The contestants learn more about who they are as individuals when they compete against others. (The event) boosts their confidence and enhances their personal development," he said.

Throughout the eight weeks prior to the pageant, the contestants will participate in several public appearances, including visits to the Premier, the Opposition Leader, the Mayor of Hamilton and an appearance at the Johnny Barnes roundabout to wave to passerby.

Contestants will be judged based on a personal interview before a panel of seven judges, a "Personal Style" segment (the young ladies choose outfits that reflect their personalities), and an "Evening Wear" segment in which the ladies are escorted by significant males in their lives.

When the field is whittled down to ten finalists, the contestants will have to answer an identical question from the judges.

The five semi-finalists will then have to answer another identical question and to present their 'platform' - which is a cause, issue or theme that the contestant wishes to promote during her reign should she win.

An extra boon to participants is that they will also have the opportunity to participate in the Miss Talented Teen and Miss Teen Supermodel competitions on Thursday, August 14 at City Hall in Hamilton.

To be crowned Miss Teen Bermuda Mr. Smith believes the "young lady has to have a very positive 'it' factor. It's not based on her pretty face but on her style and presence.

"She would never be overlooked. She should be very outgoing, charismatic and be able to adapt to any situation she is presented with."

Once crowned, Miss Teen Bermuda will participate in the Christmas and May 24 parades and participate in August's Cup Match opening ceremonies. She will also be expected to champion her chosen 'platform' throughout her reign.

This year, the event will feature a live-televised Red Carpet event outside City Hall for the parents and invited guests before the pageant (6:15 - 7:30 p.m.) that will be hosted by Power 95 radio personality "The Captain" Kevil Burgess and a second surprise female host. Alexa Lightbourne, the reigning Miss Teen Bermuda Islands is to make a grand entrance to cap off the Red Carpet festivities.

To be eligible to compete, entrants must be between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age on the day of the pageant and must either be Bermudian born or have been a resident of Bermuda for at least six months.

The contestants must also have a passing grade average to compete in the event.

Young ladies interested in competing in the event must be present at the orientation and registration meeting on Monday, June 23 at the Bermuda Industrial Union building (2nd floor) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a head and shoulders picture.

Entry forms for the contest are now available at La Trattoria Take Out, Jazzy Boutique, Parfait Cosmetics, Connections Boutique or contact Terry Smith at 337-5552 or TLPlogic.bm or contact the pageant's official chaperone, Ms. Jane T. Smith at 238-2316 or rossjanenorthrock.bm. Tickets for the event will go on sale the week of July 21 at Secrets located in the Washington Mall.