Heather Latter
Alyssa Chiasson represented Rainy River District proudly as she competed for the title of Miss North Ontario in Sudbury this past weekend against 42 other contestants from across the region.
While she didn’t win the coveted crown, Chiasson surpassed her own expectations by placing in the top 10.
“I had a personal goal to make it to the top 15,” said the 16-year-old Fort Frances High School student.
“So I reached my goal and got even further.
“When they called my name for the top 15, I was so happy,” Chiasson recalled, though adding she then started feeling nervous because she knew a question period was next.
Chiasson said she was asked about her influences and the first answer that came to her was young children.
“They are curious and innocent and inspire you to be better,” she remarked.
It must have been an answer the judges liked because when the top 10 finalists were announced, Chiasson’s name was called once again.
She didn’t make it any further in the competition but said she wasn’t disappointed with her top 10 finish.
“I got further than my goal and it was an amazing experience,” she enthused.
“It was more fun than I even expected.”
Not only do she make numerous new friendships, Chiasson said she learned a lot about herself.
“There were lots of self-confidence and motivational workshops,” she noted.
“They always have those kinds of workshops around school, so I thought they would be the same type of thing, but I actually learned more.
“I feel like it actually kind of changed me in a way,” she admitted.
“I have a more positive outlook now.”
Chiasson also learned to walk properly in heels and speak in front of a crowd.
“I can apply what I learned to life experiences,” she reasoned.
Chiasson was judged on her formal wear, personal interview with judges, scholastic testing, public speaking, final night opening number, beauty with a purpose (which she complied a scrapbook for), and pre-pageant participation and co-operation.
In addition to the top finalists, there were 17 extra category awards up for grabs and Chiasson received two—supermodel runner-up and best evening gown presentation.
But the highlight was when she named one of the finalists for Miss Teenage Canada.
She and several other contestants were hand-picked to compete for the title in Toronto in August.
“It’s a national competition so I think it’s going to be a lot different, a bit more intense,” Chiasson reasoned.
“But I’m really excited.”
In that competition, contestants will be judged on personal interview, evening gown, swimwear, charity contribution, public speaking, community engagement, and photogenic appeal.
“I’ll be able to use what I learned at [the Miss North Ontario] pageant at my next one,” Chiasson said.
She also noted the Miss North Ontario pageant was nice for her first one.
“I would encourage other girls to sign up for it if they are wanting to try out pageants,” she remarked, stressing not all of the contestants at the competition were what she would call “pageant girls.”
“But they grew as people and got a lot out of the workshops, so it was a really great experience,” she enthused.
“And I just want to thank everyone for their support,” Chiasson added, saying she knows many people voted online for her for the People’s Choice award.
Chiasson noted people even have been following her on her Facebook page.
When she announced her top 10 finish, many people congratulated her.
“I didn’t even know some of them but it was really nice to know I have so many people supporting me,” she said.
“It makes me feel confident going into the next pageant.
“All this hard work was totally worth it and I am so proud of what I accomplished,” Chiasson added.
“I feel so lucky to have had so much support from my family, friends, and the Rainy River District.”
Find Chiasson on Facebook (Alyssa Chiasson-Miss Rainy River District 2015), where she will be posting updates on the upcoming Miss Teenage Canada pageant.
