Kyla Arnett is on the runways, red carpets and stages of the big city, representing northern B.C.
Arnett, a UNBC and CNC student originally from Mackenzie but now living in Prince George, is the regional representative at the Miss Teenage Canada pageant on now at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and other locations around Toronto.
The big night is Saturday when current Miss Teenage Canada Jillian Martin of Saskatchewan hands the crown over to this year's chosen one. The whole week is full of other activities for the girls in the event - some of them aimed at developing their leadership skills and some aimed at judging.
Although physical fitness is a component of the judging, Martin told Global News Tuesday morning (the segment had a large contingent of the participants including Arnett in the background) that "it's to showcase your inner beauty...You have to be a well-rounded girl, down to earth, and somebody people can relate to and look up to."
Arnett has showcased these attributes by being an active community volunteer around Mackenzie and Prince George dating back to before she entered the pageant. Most recently she has become an advocate for children with disabilities, inspired by her 13-year-old cousin Kristi.
"I saw [the pageant] as an opportunity to promote my own chosen platform which is to help children - help reduce the stigma around people with disabilities," Arnett said. "I am involved with the Therapeutic Riding Association, working with children who have special needs and developing their confidence and self esteem by engaging them in the riding experience."
She also raised money for the Free The Children international organization based in Canada - the chosen charity of the Miss Teenage Canada organization.
Arnett can get an inside track into the finals, with the help of the local public. The top online vote-getters are given a by into the finals.
The online voting happens on the event home-page at www.missteenagecanada.com.
"All you have to do is click on the link, enter your email address and confirmation instructions will be sent to you," Arnett explained. Voting started Sunday and ends on Friday. "You can vote multiple times. Please share with your friends and help support me, Miss Teen Northern BC 2014 in getting into the top 20. Thanks for the support."
The public can watch the live-stream video of the Saturday finale from the same website, starting at 5 p.m. Prince George time.
