Parr poised to represent with style. Sets sights on scholarship
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 by: Connie Carello
A very proud eighteen year old Sheri-Lynn Parr is excited to put Sault Ste. Marie on the map by participating in the 2013 Miss North Ontario Regional Canada Pageant in Sudbury this upcoming May.
Although she is slightly nervous to talk in private with the judges, Sheri admits that her experience in previous pageants has served to boost her self-confidence and morale.
“I participated in the local pageant last year, the Ultimate Hollywood Stars Pageant, winning Queen in my age division and runner up in the Sweetheart category. This opportunity motivated me to participate in the semi-finals in the Barrie Diamond Jubilee where I received Queen in Western Wear and won Cover Girl as well as Hi-Point.”
Although the experience proved to be a learning opportunity for Parr, her mother Teri-Lynn agrees that the event was more of a “fashion-show.”
“We decided not to return for the finals in Barrie because Sheri really wasn’t learning much about herself,” she said.
The Miss North Ontario Regional Canada Pageant’s mission statement is different in their opinion, supporting a mission statement that promotes academia along with spirited competition; “Celebrating beauty with a purpose.”
The pageant is compared to a self-esteem workshop, offering young girls mandatory classes in public speaking and the development of positive self-image, while encouraging young girls to showcase their talents.
Parr, the grade twelve White Pines student, is excited to enter her art work, paintings, drawings, and wood-working in a creative slide-show for the talent portion of the contest.
The pageant focuses on enhancing resumes, offering future model opportunities, employment connections, and social and personal enhancement skills as well as the opportunity to meet new friends from across the province.
Competing against approximately fifty delegates from as far north as Thunder Bay and Kapuskasing, Parr intends to return home with a crown in the hopes of attaining a scholarship.
“Even if I place, I can qualify for a scholarship and build upon my communication skills. It will only help with my future goals” Parr smiled.
With the hopes of attending Sault College after graduation, the vibrant teen would like to become an Early Childhood Educator.
The pageant will also provide Parr with the outstanding opportunity to compete in one of the official preliminary competitions to qualify for Miss Universe and Miss Teen Canada World.
A professional team of judges will select up to five of the Miss North Ontario Delegates to travel to Toronto as finalists in the hopes of representing their country in Miss Universe.
Up to five delegates will also be chosen to travel to Toronto to compete in the Miss Teen Canada World 2013 for the opportunity to win a $25,000 prize package.
In addition to the several fundamental aspects the Miss North Ontario Pageant espouses, delegates are also encouraged to conduct a fundraiser of their choice, one the community of Sault Ste. Marie can assist Parr with.
On Saturday March 23rd at the Riuniti Banquet Hall, Parr will be hosting a dinner and dance complete with a raffle and auction where all funds raised will be donated to the NOFCC – Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer.
Tickets are $20.00 each and can be purchased directed from the Parr family by phoning (705) 946-7715 or (705) 945-2603 or at the door.
For now, Parr is practicing her speaking in front of others, her walk, and encouraging other young girls to believe in themselves, “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and to keep an open-mind” she said.
