She might be just 15 years old, but when Mikaela Beaudette opens her mouth, there is wisdom behind the youthful looks.
Beaudette has been chosen to take part in the Miss Teen Canada Globe Pageant – a competition that includes the usual talent, evening gown and swimsuit competitions – but also has a twist.
And this is where Beaudette expects to shine.
Part of the competition includes raising money for charity and helping the less-fortunate.
During her trip to Toronto in August to take part in the eight-day event, a large portion of the time spent away from home will be helping out charities in the provincial capital.
“It’s a lot different than helping people you know,” she said of the potential to be ladling out soup for Toronto’s homeless.
Beaudette’s also responsible for fundraising her own money to make the trek to Toronto, some $3,000, and at the same time come up with additional funds to help out a local charity.
As a young woman who has battled scoliosis since birth, Beaudette has chosen to donate the money she raises to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Scoloiosis is a potentially debilitating back ailment which causes curvature of the spine.
At the competition she will be facing off against 74 other young ladies, who came out of a pool of some 800 applicants.
Beaudette is understandably anxious about the competition, but there is an underlying confidence.
“I’m kinda nervous, but I know I can do it,” she said. “I believe I have what it takes. It’s nt just about how beautiful you are, but it’s about how smart you are. I think I have thee brain power to do that.”
Beaudette plans to take her love of dancing to Toronto too. She has been a dancer since age three – which has helped strengthen her back. The talent component of the event will include a lyrical dance.
To help sponsor Beaudette’s trip to Toronto, you can contact her mother Donna at 613-938-1812, or dbeaudette@cogeco.ca.
