St. Thomas is the setting for the prestigious 29th Annual Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International scholarship competition. The event, the brainchild of prominent broadcaster Hal Jackson, was founded in 1972 to address the need to recognize the talents of young African-American teens.
Thirty-five contestants from age 13 to 17 were chosen in preliminaries
in 30 cities and countries to take part in the week-long competition on St. Thomas.
Each entrant has her eye on the top prize of an educational scholarship, trips abroad and the title of Miss Talented Teen International 1999.
The event was a week of activities for the participants including tours
of St.Thomas and St. John, a welcome dinner at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef
Hotel Beach Resort, a fashion show at Palms Court Harborview Hotel and the
opportunity to meet their peers from around the world.
Semi-finals will be held on Friday, July 30, at Marriott's Frenchman's
Reef Resort and the top ten will be chosen to compete in the finals. On
Saturday evening, July 31, the competition moves under the stars to the amphitheater at Reichhold Center for the Arts. This is when the finalist from among the field of ten semi-finalists will be chosen.
Judging is based on talent, stage presence and appearance, and
personality and achievement. Noted celebrities and guest performing artists will be on hand that night to entertain the audience and to support the efforts of the contestants.
Executive producer Debi Jackson said talent is varied and includes singers,
instrumentalists, dancers and an actress.
While the primary goal of the Hal Jackson's Talented Teens International
scholarship competition is to provide training and educational scholarship opportunities for young women of color, the competition is open to young ladies of all races.
The Hal Jackson's Talented Teen International/Youth Development
Foundation, Inc. was founded to encourage minority females in urban and rural
communities to develop their artistic talents in music, drama and performing arts. Some past contestants, such as Vanessa Williams, have gone on to international prominence.
Participants this year represent the United States, European nations, Africa and many Caribbean islands.
Tickets for the finals are available at Reichhold Center box office.
Prices are $30, general admission, for covered seating; $20 and $15 for open air seating. Prices for children 12 and under are $20 covered, $15 and $10 open air.