2025 Mr. & Miss Top Teen Pageant Cocoa/ Brevard Chapter
by: Lady Avis Westbrooks-Smokes
February 16, 2025, was more than just another day for the members of Top Teens of America (TTA) under the auspices of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD), Cocoa/Brevard Chapter. It was the highly anticipated 2025 Mr. & Miss Top Teen Pageant, held at the Holiday Inn Space Coast Convention Center. This annual event, a staple in Brevard County, was particularly special as it took place during Black History Month, a time of cultural reflection and celebration.
As the clock approached 3:00 p.m., guests, including Ladies, Lords, Teens, business owners, parents, family, and friends, gathered in excitement. The Mistress of Ceremony, 2019 Former Top Teen Rayah Kortlandt Elisabeth Kassis, stepped in for her mother, Lady Kimberly Kassis Butler, captivating the audience with her poised and commanding presence. The event commenced with an invocation by Teen Andolin Kuhns, TTA Chaplain, followed by a heartfelt greeting from Teen Jasmine Powell, a junior at Merritt Island High School.
The event’s signature entrance showcased the elegance and pride of the Top Teens. Dressed in black and glittering formal attire, they made their way onto the stage beneath arches of royal blue, silver, black, and white balloons, symbolizing their organization’s colors. Their entrance to the national Top Teen song in the tune of, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing,” left the audience in awe.
Each teen introduced themselves, sharing a brief biography and acknowledging their parents, supporters, and mentors. TTA President, Teen Khamari J. Davis, a junior and honor student at Rockledge High School, delivered a warm welcome, followed by an original poem from Teen Jasmine Husain, dedicated to parents and mentors. In a touching moment, the teens presented their parents with a single red rose as a token of appreciation. Teen Jaleeya Johnson provided a brief history of Top Teens. And newly inducted, Teen Trevyn A. Davis honored his mother with a surprise birthday tribute. Dinner was preceded by a prayer from Teen Christian K. Blake, nephew of Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake.
As the event transitioned into the pageant competition, six contestants took center stage, each showcasing their unique talents:
- Teen Andolin B. Kuhns delivered a compelling discussion on current events and recited Emily Dickinson’s poem Hope is the Thing with Feathers.
- Teen Armani N. Rhynes educated the audience on hair care, emphasizing the beauty and significance of her natural hair. She referred to it as her crown and glory.
- Teen DeVont’e D. Peterson dazzled the crowd with professional modeling techniques and undeniable charm.
- Teen Christian K. Blake was impressive with a karate demonstration while reciting the poem, “Invictus”.
- Teen Jasmine N. Husain performed a captivating cello solo, playing Sonata in C Major.
- Teen Riley G. McClain performed a heartfelt praise dance to the song titled “Better” by Jessica Reedy winner of Sunday’s Best.
Following these performances, Lady Betty F. Goins, TLOD Chapter President, presented awards and acknowledgments. The famous pageant dance, choreographed by Lady Sylvia Thomas, was another show-stopping highlight of the evening. The celebration also recognized it’s chapter organizer, Lady Opal L. Morris’s upcoming 85th birthday on February 24th and Lady Sylvia Thomas’s birthday on February 18th.
Approaching the spotlight, Teen Everett Charles Taylor, the 2024 1st runner-up, escorted the reigning 2024 Miss Top Teen, McKenzie Grace Howell, for their final stroll. Lady Patricia Pearson Cocoa/ Brevard Chapter’s 1st VP graced the podium with her presence to reveal the winners as the tension heightened, she announced, Teen Riley Grace McClain and Teen DeVont’e Devon Peterson as second runners-up, while Teen Jasmine Nicole Husain and Teen Christian Kenneth Blake secured first runners-up. All contestants received trophies, the young ladies received red rose bouquets, in addition, the contestants were awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Atlanta, GA, for the 43rd Annual Area IV Leadership Conference. And by duration of each Top Teens senior year of high school, they’ll receive a three-piece luggage set and qualify for a chapter scholarship upon completing the program of work set forth by Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
Finally, the moment arrived that everyone had been anticipating. Following echoes from the drum roll, Teen Armani Nicol Rhynes and Teen Andolin Brian Kuhns were crowned 2025 Mr. & Miss Top Teen of America, Cocoa/Brevard Chapter. The room erupted in applause as the newly crowned winners beamed with pride and excitement.
A heartfelt thank you to all supporters for making this event unforgettable. We encourage interested teens to contact our esteemed organization to learn more about us. For more information, contact any Top Lady of Distinction or Lady Avis Westbrooks-Smokes, Top Teen Advisor, at (321) 544-9667. We encourage continued support for the FAMU Alumni Scholarship Gala held annually on the 1st Friday in April. And Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. along with Top Teens of America, Cocoa/Brevard Chapter also look forward to your continued support as we strive for another year of excellence and community service! Hope to see you next year.
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