Budding girl scribes took visitors on a wondrous word journey — wowing the crowd with their tender nuggets of observation and wisdom — during a Rainbow Pageant in Coney Island that called upon youngsters to pen their thoughts about human ideals.
Contestants, ranging in age from three to 19 years, commanded the spotlight during a fundraiser led by Pastor Connis Maurice Mobley at the United Community Baptist Church on Mermaid Avenue, between West 27th and West 28th streets.
The group, escorted into the house of worship by a group of boys from the parish, recited poems entitled, “When I Grow Up” and “Be the Best in Whatever Your Are,” in addition to essays on the topics of Truth, Excellence, Wisdom, Honesty and Knowledge.
The winners, who received US Savings Bonds, were five-year-old Ariel Ross, who came in first place, and runners-up Alexandra Grant, 4, and Xavier Legette, 8.
A sweet recital by the Junior Praise Team parish choral group followed the awards ceremony.
The event, said emcee Minnie Mobley, was held “to encourage and motivate our young people to do the right things.”