Testimonials

The ten day pageant week was a whirlwind of activities, events, nerves and many thrills of a lifetime.
 
On my arrival in Toronto at the hotel where all the delegates were staying. The Holiday Inn Select was a being of young ladies, luggage and lots of excitement. We were quickly assigned rooms and roommates
 
There were so many activities and events during the ten days that we all had many memories to keep and share each evening before we went to bed.
 
Some of the places we visited where everything was sponsored were Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill, Maid of The Mist, NASCAR Speed Track, and the Woodbine Mall.
 
My favorite event during the ten days had to have been eating dinner at The Greg Frewin Theatre where we had the chance to experience the magic and art of illusion with The International Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin. His show featured magical appearances by rare and majestic tigers. Our imagination was captivated and we were amazed "Beyond Belief".
 
Everyday there were places to visit and a lot of practicing on how to walk, talk and rehearsals for the production. There were so many things to remember and not to forget. Every night we welcomed our beds and a chance to relax and unwind. When we got back to our rooms every night there was always a little something waiting for us on our beds.
 
The staff of the pageant was awesome and all of them were supportive and helpful with whatever arose.
 
The gala night was held the night before the pageant where MTCI 2008 was to be crowned. This was the first time all of us were able to really meet each others’ families. All the girls were gorgeous flowers in a wide range of colors and styles. Everyone was full of compliments and we were happy to be all together.
 
The crowning was on Saturday and everyone was excited, nervous, and there was a lot of speculation on who was going to be crowned.
 
The decision for the top 10 had already been made as over the week we had meet with the judges, answered questions as well as had a very challenging scholastic test and fitness test. We were also observed and evaluated all week during our trips and events that took place. We had to be on our best behavior at all times.
 
Saturday night started with us dressed in our cocktail dresses and taking to the stage as we were introduced and had a chance to say our name, where we were from, our charities and why we choose them. After that we quickly changed into our evening dresses and took to the stage again with our sashes to remind everyone who came from what province. We then went to our appointed places on the stage. The spotlight was on us. Several awards were given out. There was of course the winner of Miss Teen Canada International 2008 who was Miss Hamilton Cassondra Paletta. There was first and second runner up as well as prizes for talent, fitness, friendship, evening gown and photogenic.
We were all happy for the winners and each other. I didn’t win the pageant but I still feel like a winner. It was an experience of a lifetime, and I have made so many friends from across the country.
 
I am very excited to continue working with my nominated charity. The Starlight Foundation Canada is an awesome charity one that I continue to help monthly and I enjoy my time spent with all the kids and their families. I have done various events with them, the most recent event I participated  in was Strangers In The Night 3. A wonderful gala evening held in the West Island on Saturday, September 8th. All the net proceeds that were raised that night went directly to Starlight Foundation, The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Share the Warmth.

So many people helped me obtain my goal. My parents, sponsors, the MTCI organization, and of course the Courrier Laval who helped me feel special with all their coverage. Without all of the support of everyone I would never have had the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the Miss Teen Canada International pageant. Thank you to all for making me feel like a winner.

To my fellow delegates, I am so privileged to have met all of you, with your unique personalities, and your everlasting friendships. MTCI staff, security, chaperones and Judges, all of you did a wonderful job in making this pageant week a wonderful success. It was really great getting to know all of you.
 
Even though I did not get crowned Miss Teen Canada International 2008, I continue to work with my charity and the MCI organization. I am also excited to continue assisting the Teddy Bears of Hope 2008 Afghanistan campaign, in which I plan to collect tonies and bears for the kids in Afghanistan.
 
It is not the crown on my head, nor the sash over my shoulder that makes me feel like a winner. I am so honored to hold the Miss Teen Quebec 2008 title. As the ambassador of my province, I hope to make Quebec proud. This  title has opened so many wonderful opportunities for me.
 
Since the pageant, I have made many appearances. I have been a spokes person for Build A Bear Workshops in Quebec all while promoting the Teddy Bears of Hope Campaign. As well, I have posed in a Graduation Magazine and will be in a Music Video which will be aired on Much Music and Music Plus in February.  I also continue to work with the Starlight Children's Foundation every month. I have been quite busy these past months and hope to continue into the new year.
 
I recently had the pleasure to meet with M. Guy Ouellette MNA of Chomedey, Laval and had an opportunity to discuss with him at length today's youth. I believe that it is so important to get involved in our community, with charitable organizations, and helping others. Our community depends on today's youth to make a positive difference in the world. It is one of my goals to promote community service and charity work during my reign as Miss Teen Quebec.
 
The lesson that this pageant has taught me was the following : “Reach for your goals and you will achieve them, anything is possible.”
 
 
Ashley
Miss Teen Quebec 2008