Heather Latter
Despite not owning any dresses and having never worn high heels, Emily Hyatt will be representing the District of Rainy River when she vies for the title of Miss North Ontario next month in Sudbury.
“This is something that is a lot more girlie than I’m used to,” admitted the 18-year-old Fort Frances resident.
“But I think it’s going to be a really great experience.”
The pageant, which will run May 2-5, aims to promote tourism in the north as well as the rewards of volunteer work for worthwhile charities.
It also focuses on the self-development of personal character, confidence, stage presence, and personal interaction with others.
“It is intended for all contestants and family to leave this experience a stronger and educated individual,” the organization’s website notes.
Hyatt said she heard about the pageant from a friend who took part in it the previous year.
“So I went online and applied,” she remarked, noting the process was similar to applying for a job.
“They ask you questions and determine whether or not they think it is something you are suited for,” she explained.
“I like that it’s not a beauty pageant. It’s all about personality and inner beauty,” she stressed, adding it wasn’t until after she was accepted as a candidate last June that organizers saw what she looked like.
“They do not discriminate,” she reiterated. “It’s really positive all around.”
Hyatt also likes that there is a volunteering and fundraising component to the pageant, with money going toward Northern Ontario Families of Children With Cancer.
“It’s a really good cause,” she said. “It helps the families with food and hotel expenses that can get really expensive.”
Since being accepted to represent the district, Hyatt has been visiting local schools and conducting self-esteem workshops.
“The little girls are so excited when they see my crown. They think I’m a real princess,” she enthused.
“I’ve really liked going out into the community, meeting new people and representing the district.”
In preparation for the pageant, Hyatt had to garner up at least $600 in sponsorship (she got more than $1,000). She also is planning another fundraising event during the semi-formal event April 12 at Fort High.
As well, she has been preparing a speech in which each contestant is asked to talk about something that they are passionate about.
Hyatt will be speaking about the inclusion of special needs kids, which is something close to her heart.
“I’m very involved in the ‘Best Buddies’ program at school and I think it is such a great program,” she remarked.
Hyatt also has been working on her talent for the competition, which will be archery—a talent that will be filmed prior to the pageant and then shown during the event.
“I plan to film some of it in heels,” she added, noting she needs to practice walking in heels.
She hopes the uniqueness of her talent will make her stand out at the pageant.
“A lot of girls dance or sing, but I wanted to do something that is more personal to me,” she reasoned.
“And hunting is something I really enjoy.”
In fact, she recently was interviewed for an article in the “Ontario Outdoors” magazine with the title “Pageant queen by day, hunter for life.”
But despite her “tom-boyish” ways, Hyatt is hoping the Miss North Ontario pageant makes her feel like a princess.
“They will be doing my nails, hair, and makeup, and even dressing me for a photo shoot,” she enthused, citing she even recently went shopping for dresses.
“It will be a lot of fun to get dressed up and look pretty.”
And with the Grade 12 student also attending prom this spring, she’s looking forward to a little pampering.
Hyatt indicated the competition likely will be hectic as pageant events are scheduled throughout the weekend. But she already has been getting to know some of the other 40 contestants and is anxious to meet them.
“Everyone seems really nice, friendly, and supportive,” she said, noting they’ve all joined a Facebook group specifically for the pageant’s contestants.
“The competitiveness isn’t there,” she added. “Everyone just wants to the best for everyone.”
Hyatt is hoping that participating in the pageant will open more doors for her, such as for other national pageants, talent competitions, and possibly model searches.
Although she is aiming to become a police officer as a career, she feels pageants and other similar events will give her positive experiences.
“It would be a great opportunity to travel, meet people, and represent good causes,” she remarked.
And if she wins the title of Miss North Ontario, Hyatt would move on to compete in the Miss Teen World competition.
Any money she wins from the pageant will go back into the community.
“I’m just really hoping to do my best,” she said. “It would be great to make it to the top 15.”
Rainy River District residents can help her with that. Beginning April 15, people can vote at www.missnorthontario.com for their favourite contestant.
The winner of “People’s Choice” automatically will be in the top 15.
“I’m nervous because I have never done this before,” Hyatt admitted. “But I know I have support and I know it’s something I can do.”
There will be live-streaming of the pageant online during the competition, and Hyatt also will be updating her Facebook page throughout the weekend.
More information about the pageant can be found at www.missnorthontario.com or by visiting Hyatt’s Facebook page: Emily Hyatt for Miss North Ontario 2013.
