Matric is a busy year for any teenager, but Justine Le Toit (16) has added to the demands by entering this year’s Miss Teen Commonwealth Pageant.
The GCN recently caught up with this ambitious Hoërskool Elsburg student in her Castleview home.
“I had an idea to enter since last year, but only made up my mind this year, on the spur of the moment,” she said.
Justine explained that entering the competition was very simple.
“I just had to send in two photos and attend a workshop where we were given all the information on the pageant and our instructions for going forward.”
Following this, Justine was recently named one of the top 50 finalists in the pageant.
“After finding out that I was a finalist, I have had to raise funds or find sponsorships to assist my participation in the competition.
“I decided not to approach businesses for sponsorship, instead I approached friends and neighbours for any donation and was able to raise R1 700,” she explained.
Contestants have also been encouraged to find a local charity to support as part of the competition.
“I am still deciding which charity I would like to support, but have been involved in my church’s fundraising efforts,” she said.
Justine is a member of the Full Gospel Church in Elsburg and some of the projects the church is involved with include, food drives and family days with the funds raised being donated to a number of charities.
When asked what winning the pageant would mean to her, Justine explained that she doesn’t need the crown.
“I am in this for the fun and the new experience and to give back to the community. It doesn’t matter if I win or not.”
The top 20 finalists will be announced in May, following an interactive workshop, where the girls will be given an opportunity to model and be asked a series of questions by the judges.
The community can also vote for Justine by SMSing her full name Justine Le Toit to 35554.
For more information on the pageant visit the Facebook page: Commonwealth Pageants South Africa.
