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Vawn teen will cherish pageant experience

Jensen White of Vawn, who attends H. Hardcastle School in Edam, was in Toronto in July to take part in the seventh Miss Teenage Canada pageant.
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Jensen White on stage at the Miss Teenage Canada Pageant.

Jensen White of Vawn, who attends H. Hardcastle School in Edam, was in Toronto in July to take part in the seventh Miss Teenage Canada pageant.

The 16-year-old daughter of Rod and Lisa White represented West Central Saskatchewan during the week leading up to the final competition day, July 26.

Having been crowned Miss Teen West Central Saskatchewan in April, she says she's found the competition process a positive one.

While she was not in the Top 20 on finals night in Toronto, she will continue to wear her crown as Miss Teen West Central Saskatchewan for the year of her reign.

"Here I met all 55 delegates," she reports. She also met several of the competition sponsors.

"The second day, was very busy," she says. "I had my hair and makeup done early in the morning, then I went straight to film my video shoot, which was included during Finals Night at intermission. "

Next, she had a photo shoot, with photos taken to be used in the program and to be used to choose the top four contestants to be judged for the Miss Teenage Photogenic title.

"Later that afternoon, was my interview," she says. "This was basically like a job interview. The judges ask you questions that will help them to get to know you a little bit better, and this is a part of the final scoring."

The judging panel was made up of individuals from the fashion, beauty entertainment and fitness industries.

White next found herself on a whirlwind of appearances, sponsor meetings and rehearsals.

"The next day, was pretty hectic. We were featured on Breakfast Television. May I add it was super cool!"

The delegates enjoyed hair tutorials with one of the pageant sponsors and a lunch put on by another sponsor.

"We then made our way to the Yorkdale Mall, and it was much larger than the malls I'm used to, so I made sure I stayed with the girls!"

There they had a meet and greet before heading back to the hotel, but not to rest.

"As we arrived back at the hotel, we headed straight for rehearsals, with our choreographer, Shawn Cuffie. This was a couple of hours of dancing, walking, and rubbing my feet, because of the crazy heels we had to be in! But trust me, you grew used to the heels and dresses," reports White.

"Day 4 was very similar to the previous day, but this time, we slept in an hour later. Five a.m. felt much better! But once we were on Global TV, it didn't really seem to matter. We were aired locally, and nationally."

Then, more visits, shopping and rehearsals.

"We got to see Toronto from a crazy height, as we were in the CN Tower. Then we went to the Toronto Eaton Centre, which, again, was huge, but totally awesome," she reports. "We had a bit of paparazzi. It made you feel like a celebrity!"

Then it was back to rehearsal.

"After a long day of shopping, we had some more rehearsals, in some more crazy heels, but we all could dance a bit better than the night before."

Day 5 was more relaxing.

"We had rehearsals all day, and were treated to a supper at Medieval Times. This had to be the best supper I have been to yet! Delicious food, and awesome entertainment."

White says, "Day 6 was again mostly rehearsal, getting hair and makeup done, and preparing for the preliminary show. This show was only judged on evening gown and swimsuit. The scoring from this night, would determine the Top 20, which we would find out on Finals Night."

The final competition was nearing.

"The next day was the Gala Dinner," she says. "This was when the girls showcased their talents, and if you didn't have one, you were to just speak about your platform. I spoke about mine, which was drinking and driving."

The final day arrived.

"July 26 was the big day, Finals Night! My nerves were through the roof by this time. All day we rehearsed on the big stage and got our hair and makeup done," White says.

"Eight p.m. was showtime, and after our opening dance number, and meeting our hosts Luke Bilyk, from Degrassi, and Cynthia Loewen, former Miss Teen South Western Ontario 2010, we found out the Top 20. I did not make it to Top 20, but I did make it onto the stage, which is more than incredible!"

White says, "After all the anticipation, and narrowing it down to Top 5, we had our new Miss Teenage Canada 2014, Francesca McFadden, from Toronto, Ont."

The Miss Teenage Canada experience for White is one she will never forget.

"After this amazing week, with 55 other amazing girls, I realized how thankful I was to be there, and how thankful I am to receive all the support from the community."

Part of the run up to the pageant was a fundraising campaign that must reach at least $400. White was well supported by her community, raising funds for the charity Free the Children, through several events including a dance, a princess tea and a bottle drive.

While the national pageant is over, White is not done with the pageant experience.

"I am still currently a titleholder, Miss Teenage West Central Saskatchewan, which means I will still be making appearances until the end of my reign. This was an experience of a lifetime, and has created confidence, memories and friends that I will cherish for years."