I would like to begin this blog post by saying how much I love my new solo for talent night! My ballet teacher, Miss Hannah Peacock, is giving me the solo that I have always wanted and dreamed of and I could not be more pleased. However, right when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did; Miss Hannah told me that she, and Strive, would be sponsoring me my solo and preparations for that solo on behalf of the board. I am ecstatic!! Thank you so much Strive!! Your support means the world to me.

I also would like to congratulate my whole Strive family on our success at this weekend’s competition: Standing Ovation Edmonton. For it being our first competition of the season, I am extremely proud of what we accomplished and I would like to give a huge congrats to Miss Hannah and all the other teachers for receiving their special overall awards!!

Here are the choreographers’ results from Sunday:

Outstanding Group Award – Newsies, Most Creative Number Award – In Commemoration of the War of 1812, Top Choreography Award from the Ballet Judge – Conductor’s Euphoria, Top Choreography (Jazz, Tap and Musical Theater)- Newsies

I cannot wait for the next competition!!

Today…

This afternoon, my school received a presentation from Robb Nash, who is truly a walking miracle. When he was seventeen years old he was involved in a serious car crash where his car collided with a semi and that left Robb with a shattered skull and was actually pronounced “dead on arrival”. The police had actually called his parents to give them the phone call that no parent ever wants to hear. How is he alive today? It’s a miracle. He now has a metal plate to replace that section of shattered skull, and Robb survived a coma that even doctor’s didn’t believe he would make it out of. Just as Robb said today, he doesn’t believe in “everything happens for a reason,” he believes in “everything that happens has a purpose.” He could have taken that experience and drawn only negative. He could have been bitter for his whole life, because he could no longer do the things he was used to doing. He was a star athlete, a popular guy, now he found himself in a wheelchair and figuring out how to live again. There were instances and extreme lows that brought him to the place he is today. A JUNO award-winning musician with his band, “Live on Arrival,” and an influential and amazing speaker that travels to schools all over Canada and even prisons and penitentiaries. His story moved me and I want to share a little with you.

Since the passing of my friend, Kale, I have been through probably every stage of grieving. I have had highs and probably the lowest I have been a long time. I don’t understand and I probably never will. All I know is that I think of him and miss him everyday and I want to keep that alive forever. However, school and normal life isn’t the same anymore. It’s difficult to explain, but my life has completely changed. I no longer think the same way I once did, I don’t make decisions the same way as I did before and I have had serious falling outs with some of my good friends. I have been told that this is all in people’s grieving process but all I can do is wonder and dream about how to get the normalcy restored back into my life. My school guidance councilor informed me of Robb Nash’s appearance at our school and I knew that he would influence me. I hadn’t even heard him speak yet! However, that guidance councilor knew what I had been going through and since arranging this presentation/concert, he told me to make sure I was there, and I am so unbelievably happy I was. You see, Robb isn’t a certified councilor and he isn’t an expert on “how to grieve” but he told me today that when he heard of what has been going on in Red Deer, and at Notre Dame, he knew he had to come. So our presentation today was focused on living every single day like it’s your last, because using Robb as an example, it very well could be. People need to be told that they are important and that they will make a difference in the world, no matter what your past is, as long as you find the strength in yourself to do so. What I loved about Robb was that he didn’t lecture. He didn’t come into our school with a set of steps on how to turn your life around because “he did.” He came in with a collection of stories and life instances that he experienced that made him appreciate how special life is. He made me think about it, and I’m sure probably every other person in the gym did as well. Between every message he said and every story, he had a song that he wrote for it, a Canadian Top 40 song, that he performed for us live and had the lyrics playing for us to read on the screens ahead of us.

Robb told us of a special instance that actually made him realize just why he was doing what he was doing. That what he did had purpose: He was presenting at a school in Canada and after the presentation, a girl walked up to him with mascara running down her face and had eyes very red from crying. She handed him a note out of her back pocket and when Robb asked her what it was she told him that it was her suicide note. She was planning on taking her life that very night, until he came into her school and told her just how special she was and how very much she needed to be alive, because her story could be very similar to the girl’s right beside her or the kid that sits behind her in English. That her story could save a life. She then ripped that note up right in front of him and promised never to do it. Since then, Robb tells that story, and every presentation there are people that walk up to him and hand him their suicide notes or tell them that they were very close to taking their own lives. Robb stunned me with the fact that over 60 percent of teenagers actually write their suicide notes 2-3 months before they actually commit their suicide. They keep that note with them and wait for that one instance to just push them over the edge. This is exactly where I broke down. How can we not see that people are hurting this badly? Or do we see them and recognize the hurt, but don’t act?

In my talk with Robb following the presentation, he left me with a sort of closure that I did not anticipate. He told me something that I didn’t really expect: That everything he had said today were things that I already knew to be true, I just needed to hear it. I would recommend any person, no matter what your circumstances may be, to get a chance to see Robb Nash and listen to what he has to say, because I have firm belief that he did save a couple of lives today, and if you’ve ever felt like there’s no way out. There really is, you just need to fight the demons telling you know and search for the positivity that’s trying to break through. Your story could possibly save someone’s life, just like Robb.

Today was a special day for me, one that I think should be recognized. I had heard of this day in March, and then planned on particpating myself.. Today marked the day of the “Semicolon project 416.” Where on April 16, people would draw a semicolon on their wrists to show those who suffer from depression, self harm, have recently lost a loved one, is unhappy, or is suicidal, that people care.

Why a semicolon? A semi colon represents a sentence that the author could have ended but chose not to. This semicolon applies to life as the author is you and the sentence is your life. It breaks my heart to think that people get pushed so far, or they find themselves in too deep where they feel as if there is no way out. I drew a semicolon on my wrist today in memory of the teenagers in Red Deer, and all of central Alberta, that have taken their lives this year.

I remember being in the eighth grade, and walking into the school wondering what happened. There were candles lit and the chapel was open, I instantly got the feeling that something was wrong. When I walked into my classroom, I saw my teacher crying. He then informed us that a younger student had taken his life. I had never had anything like this happen to me before. To be honest, I didn’t even really know what suicide was. It was not something that people talked about. I was so confused. This kid was so happy all the time. He looked completely fine, but to all of our dismay, he was suffering beyond anything I could even fathom. This past summer, I had received news that another boy from Red Deer had taken his life without any warning. Dylan was not someone that I had known personally, but just seeing how much people cared for him touched me. He had so many friends. However nothing really compared to the feeling I got on February 10th of this year.

I received a phone call while I was leaving family dinner that one of my very good friends, Kale, had taken his life. This had to be the biggest shock of my entire life. Kale was so happy, had so many friends, always went out of his way to make others happier. Needless to say, this has forever changed my life. It’s hard to imagine going on without him, because he has always been there. It doesn’t seem real to me. The month of February, and even March was a blur of confusion, anger and extreme sadness. I wish that he could have seen how many people were there for him. You get presentations at school about suicide and depression, and they tell you about signs. This makes you think that it’s going to be a red flashing light and you will know that you need to tell someone. However, this was definitely not the case with Kale. It will forever change every single person that Kale touched and my own perspective on people. I want people to know that there are people here to listen to you. No matter who you are, or who you are friends with, I want people to drop everything and help. With 6 suicides in Central Alberta alone there needs to be a change, and I am happy to say that I am witnessing a movement.

Each suicide affected different people and in different ways, however with Kale’s death in February it was almost like the final straw. I am on my high school’s grad committee and every year, the graduating class picks a charity for our “grad service project” to raise money for in a unique way. In September, our committee chose Suicide Information & Education Services in Red Deer. This was when there were 5 deaths. We made this movement in honour of them. None of the five had attended our school, and none of us expected that in February, little after we announced the charity to the school, one of our own would have passed away. We chose to raise money in an amazing-race type event called “Race For Your Life” which was a scavenger hunt around Red Deer where each challenge or task corresponded to a feeling or fact about suicide or depression. Each team was composed of 6 students, one parent and one teacher who all had to raise a minimum of $2400 to enter the race. My team, an all girls team, and a boys team paired up to raise our money in an event we organized for Kale called “Winning for Willms.” My friends and I worked very hard organizing the event ourselves at the Red Deer Arena and it could not have happened without the efforts from every single one of us. A lot of Kale’s closest friends were hockey players and he was probably one of the biggest hockey fans out there. So what better way to honour him? Throughout the craziness of the week in February, it was actually one of Kale’s closest guy friends that brought up the idea and we are so happy he did. We had amazing support from the people of Red Deer. We had Kale’s younger brother playing with his two cousins, people donated amazing silent auction gifts and a successful raffle going. Also, a very generous parent donated custom jerseys for the players to wear in the game with Kale’s initials on them. It was the most amazing display of support that I had seen and I now have a whole new level of respect for Red Deer. All together, we raised an astounding total of $30,000 from our hockey game alone when the goal of the
project in total was $45,000. The race for your life was amazing. We ran around town on an extremely snowy and cold day but it will probably be one of the best memories of my life. At the end of the day, they announced the total that would be given entirely to the ladies at Suicide Information & Education Services in Red Deer and that total was $128,000!!!!!! Absolutely blown away by the results, I cannot believe what a city can do when we all come together. I am so proud of what Red Deer  and my graduating class has accomplished but especially proud of the strength I witnessed in every single one of my friends. There is no doubt that what happened will probably be one of the hardest things any of us will go through and we will probably always have questions but the support we have with each other will get us through.

Even since the game and the service project there have been other amazing things coming out in support of suicide awareness such as Rock the Change Red Deer, and other local events that I will be sure to attend. Thank you Red Deer and my high school, Notre Dame, for showing me that I have a support system in this craziness. I will never forget the kindness and generosity I witnessed. Also, a big thank you to Sasha Ward and Stacey Appleby for beginning the Facebook group and movement #timeforchange which provides a safe place for people to share their own feelings and stories. Showing everyone that people feel the same way you do and most importantly, you are not alone. 

To anyone that feels like the world is too much: People are here for you, including myself. I will always be here to talk and do whatever I can to help you through whatever you’re going through. As Ellen DeGeneres recently said on the topic of suicide on her show, “Things will get better, and you should be alive to see it.”

I am absolutely horrified by the events that took place at the finish line of the Boston Marathon today. My heart goes out to all of those affected by the explosions, including the family members of the victims. I hope that all of those people can find peace in this terribly tragic time. 

However, I was watching the news this evening and the reporter hit the nail on the head by saying that we should remember this day by the people that helped and risked their own lives to save others and not by the gory images that are circulating the web. I am especially blown away by one particular instance that happened today; Some of the marathon runners that passed through the scene after the tragedy hit continued running to the Boston hospital to give their blood for those who would be needing it for their survival. I am amazed. This makes me so happy to have my own platform as blood and stem cell donation. It shows you that our donations mean something and do save lives. While from my own experiences, I donate with my cousin and my grandmother in my heart, but I also do it for the people that are in need of these donations for survival from horrors like this. There are people right now fighting for their lives in the Boston hospital and from the support and care they are recieving and even the strength of those runners to donate and think so quickly, they will make it through this nightmare. I am keeping the fighters in my prayers tonight. For they will be fighting a long battle, one where the end may not be clear, however, people are here to support them and it amazes me how the city of Boston handled this. Also a huge thank you to every single person who helped save lives. Your actions will not go unnoticed.

Keep the victims in your heart tonight, and pray to send them some peace in this madness.

Madison Fertig

Hey everyone!

Wow, my second blog post as Miss Teen Red Deer World 2013, can you believe it? Thank you for taking the time to visit my page! I have always loved writing, so this whole blogging-thing is right up my alley.

This evening, the rest of the title-holders and I received some very exciting news! We were told that Luke Bilyk, who plays Drew Torres on Degrassi, will be hosting along side Miss Teen Red Deer World 2012, Gina Omilon at the Miss Teen Canada World 2013 pageant in Toronto!! Everyday there seems to be something new and exciting about the pageant being brought up that makes it that much harder for me to fall asleep at night! I am so excited for nationals, what a great way to end my final year of high school. My countdown is set up, and there are officially 88 days until pageant week begins! It seems like just yesterday that I became a title holder and now nationals are only a few months away!

My weeks are about to get a little bit crazy! Or should I say crazier.. Dance competition season is about to take off as my first competition of the year, Standing Ovation 2013,  begins this Thursday in Edmonton at the University of Alberta! Not only is this my final year of high school, but it’s my final year of competing with my dance girls. I want to make the most of this competition season and I am really proud with what we have accomplished this year so far! Today, my mom and I worked all day long completing the “finishing touches” on all my costumes! I have the absolute best mom in the whole world. She is super woman!! Not only does she have one dancer who competes in everything she has 3! Which means 3 times the costumes, 3 times the rhinestones, and 3 times the quick changes! I am so thankful to have her, I love her so much.

I dance at Strive Dance Academy in Red Deer, and we are actually a parent-run society! This kind of changes the whole vibe around our studio… We are smaller, so we are more close-knit and very much like a family. Our “dance moms” are not like the ones you would find on the TV show. They bend over backwards for whatever we need, all the way from driving us to early rehearsals to sewing and “bejewelling” our costumes until the wee hours of the morning, and we could not be more thankful. We also have our “prop dads,” because you see, our instructor, Miss Judy, is known in the dance competition world for being the “Prop Queen” due to our very large sets. Not only do our dads transport these props, they build them from scratch! They are so unbelievably talented.

It makes me so sad to think that this is my last competition season, but the memories I have will always remain with me, and I will always be a part of Strive! They are my family, and the studio is my second home.

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for me as well! I begin learning my solo for the Miss Teen Canada World pageant’s talent night! Very exciting! I can’t wait to begin, and I am so gr

ateful for my instructor, Hannah Peacock, for taking the time out of her busy schedule to choreograph me a solo!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog! Social networking and blogging is actually a large part of my score at nationals! A click on my page means more than you know! I will try my very best to continue updating! Follow me on my way to nationals!!

Madison Fertig

xxo

Hi there! My name is Madison Fertig and I am your new Miss Teen Red Deer World 2013! I am so excited to embark on this journey to the Miss Teen Canada World 2013 pageant, it’s something that I have been dreaming of since summer of 2012. I had followed the finalists throughout their experience and even ended up sending in my own application! My perspective and my knowledge on this pageant has changed since then. I had a huge admiration for the finalists in the summer, but now I am one! I am now fully aware of the responsibilities that a title bearer has to live up to, and I am so thrilled to represent my hometown! The journey to nationals this summer in Toronto is going to be filled with things that I never would have gotten to experience if I had never stepped out of my comfort zone in the January Miss Teen Alberta 2013 pageant and I can’t wait! The girls that I met in Calgary at regionals are amazing! They’re so fun and so kind, I can’t wait to meet more of the girls in Toronto!

I was born and raised right here in Red Deer, Alberta. I actually grew up on an acreage where my family raised both llamas and alpacas, while my grandpa, who lived up the road, raised Arabian horses . My grandpa and my dad owned “Allan Dale Trailers and Arabians” along the highway and I loved playing with the animals. I especially had a love for horses! When my obsession with them reached an all-time high, my grandpa took me for a sleigh ride behind a pony, in hopes of taking the pony home for me! I was so excited! Funny for me, as I am sitting in the car, my face begins to puff up and I get very sneezy.. Turns out that a girl who’s family is known for raising horses and selling horse trailers, is extremely allergic to horses! A few years later my family moved into the city where my sisters and I were closer to school and dance! I am the oldest of 3 girls, and we are all two years a part. My family is very close, and we love spending time together. They are my best friends and always will be.

I have been dancing for what seems like my whole life, and really it has been. I began taking combo classes at the age of 3 and began dancing competitively at the age of 6.

Dancing has taught me not only what it means to be “committed” and to be a part of a team but it’s also taught me how to carry myself as a lady. When I was younger I used to watch the senior dancers at my studio and admire just the way that they could move their bodies and how they carried themselves. It inspired me to be the same way. I am still dancing, but this is my last year before I head off to university. Although I plan on continuing in dance as I continue on into my next adventure in one way or another. When you have done something for so long, it’s hard to just stop. I don’t want to stop dancing.

I have been in the presence of many angels in my life, and they have changed who I am forever. My cousin, Marshal Knowles, is probably my biggest inspiration for pursuing anything in life. Being in a family with no brothers, Marshal and his brother Chad were my big brothers and I loved them so much. When Marshal was diagnosed with cancer, it didn’t seem real. Cancer had been something that older people got! Not a 23 year old. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer and I guess my family and I were always given a false sense of hope. We were reassured by doctors that this was the most commonly treated cancer with the highest success rate. I had a grandma with lung cancer, and an aunty pass away to cancer when I was very young, so cancer was no stranger to my family. Marshal had this amazing sense of humour. One that no one else will ever have. The jokes that he told me were ones that others might not understand or perhaps even leave them shocked that he said it! When my family and I were around him and were in our darkest moments, it was him that would break that sadness and tell us a joke, like he was always caring about us. By June 2011, his cancer had spread and was not responding to the treatments. He decided that he was going to live life to the fullest. Unfortunately, we all thought we had more time than he did and his death took all of us by surprise. Marshal passed away June 6, 2011, and I think about him everyday. He inspired me to do something. So in December of 2012, the month of Marshal’s birthday, I organized a blood drive in Marshal’s name. We surpassed our goal of 100 donations and actually had the highest number of first-time donors for a blood drive in Red Deer, ever! Throughout Marshal’s life he received numerous blood and stem cell transfusions and transplants. After those treatments, they brought Marshal back to himself and picked him up again. I have donated 3 times since I became old enough to donate and I plan to continue donating in Marshal’s name forever. I have made Canadian Blood Services and onematch.ca my platform for Miss Teen Red Deer World 2013, with an emphasis on encouraging first-time donors and inspiring young people like me, to save a life.

I have many people to thank thus far for sponsoring me in my journey. Since my crowning, the people of Red Deer have shown me such kindness and generosity I am amazed. I am so proud to represent such an amazing city and I am going to do my very best to make them proud! I would like to give a big thank you to Leigha Graf and Leigha Graf Photography for taking such amazing headshots of me prior to the pageant and sponsoring me my official portraits! I am so lucky to have someone as amazing as you in my life. Working with Leigha is so fun and she captures the true me in all her photos. She makes it very difficult for my mom and I to pick a favourite! Thank you Leigha!!

Also another HUGE thank you to Iska Hollman and her husband at Bridal Couture in Red Deer! I approached her in hopes of her lending me a dress for my official portrait, but to my surprise, her and her husband donated me this amazing hot pink Jovani gown for my week in Toronto! Thank you so much Iska, your generosity has amazed me. I am so thankful to have you as a sponsor.

Another amazing role model to me would be  Brittany Grebinsky, at the Body Garage in Red Deer! Her sponsorship has meant so much to me. Our sessions are so fun and she pushes me to my fullest potential! Our time together has made me more confident in my own skin and inspired me to live a healthier life! Thank you so much to Brittany and Brent Grebinsky and the whole Body Garage family! I love you guys.

I cannot wait until nationals this summer! Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and thank you to all of my supporters. I am so excited to represent my city for the year of 2013!!

Sincerely,

Madison Fertig

Song: Not the End by the Glee Cast
Paradise by Coldplay
Quote: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” –From the Broadway play, Wicked

Here it is. My very last blog as Miss Teen Red Deer! This is a super bittersweet blog for me. I am beyond excited to pass on the crown to the next Miss Teen RD, but at the same time, I’m really sad I am going to have to give up this title and the amazing year it brought me.

On March 18, 2012, I was crowned Miss Teen Red Deer-World 2012, and my senior year of high school, and the rest of 2012, was forever changed. Being Miss Teen RD 2012 opened up a whole other world to me. I appreciated Red Deer so much more, and became very proud to be an Albertan in general.  Before Nationals in Toronto, I was able to work with Corner Gas, and well-known Canadian Actor, Brent Butt, to help fundraise for the Red Deer Catholic Education Foundation then later I was able to help contribute to research with the CNIB alongside The Father of  “The Great One”,  Walter Gretzky.  I was also able to listen to the inspiring stories of children who suffered from vision loss, or simply were just kids at Science Fairs or in Kindergarten Classes.  Working with kids was a big part of my reign especially since education was my platform. Being involved in the schools was a great memory and handing out awards at the Central Alberta Science Fair alongside the Mayor of Red Deer, Mr. Morris Flewwelling, was a great honor. Being a guest at the Zone 4 West One Acts Competition was also a great pleasure, and I was so happy to have one of my plays in the competition and to be able to perform there as well. Then of course the Central Alberta’s Children Festival was a great morning that involved lots of balloons and bubble wrap popping. I had an awesome time hanging out with the kids there.

Outside of education and working for my platform, I also got to take part in many events around Central Alberta such as watching men walk in high heels at the Women’s Outreach, “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event. I also got to see many of the amazing women in the Central Alberta community being recognized at the Women of Excellence Awards night. I was able to meet some amazing women and it was a very inspiring night. Shortly after, I attended and emceed the Run for the Cure night in Red Deer – the run/walk for cancer patients, survivors and those who had lost the battle. It was a touching night and I got to witness over 14 people come up and offer to shave their head for cancer in the spur of a moment decision. After I was also able to attend a Year End Youth Party which included fun games and great snacks, as well as the world famous Woody’s Triathlon. I had worked plenty with kids and adults, so next I decided to attend a fundraiser for the SPCA, and man, it was a blast! I walked two different dogs, and both were pretty energetic so they had me running all over. I was a pretty funny person to watch that event as my sash was falling and everything was flying as I chased around these two dogs. Being a huge dog lover though, I enjoyed it so much as I got to play with over 5 dogs during the event. Soon came CANADA DAY, where I got to emcee in front of over 30,000 people to celebrate Canada’s birthday! I was so honored to be able to be a part of such a fantastic day in Canadian pride. Lastly, just before Nationals, an article I wrote as Miss Teen RD was chosen to get printed in VerveGirl Magazine which was a fantastic surprise and I’m so thankful that viewers voted for my article about Graduation and what Grad really means for a teenager.

Before I left for Toronto, I also had to raise a minimum of $400 for Free the Children, which was fantastic for me since I was already a part of the amazing organization. First I held a Pancake Breakfast with the help of Bridal Couture & Dezigns. Next, I was in a well-known play, called The Crucible, where I was so lucky to be casted as the female lead, Abigail Williams. The director, Jennifer Warder, agreed to donate half the proceeds and any donations to Free the Children in my name as Miss Teen Red Deer. Lastly, I held a Day of Mini-Golf in Sylvan Lake at Lakeside Go-Karts and Mini-Golf where we split the proceeds for Free the Children, and the owners organization, Home Of Hope. Altogether, I was able to raise $1359.15 for an organization I strongly believe in. I still hope to travel to Ecuador with Free the Children in the near future.

Nationals was soon upon me, and it was a crazy whirlwind. I got to be on New Music Live and Breakfast Television, as well as meet Degrassi star, Luke Bilyk. I met great friends from all over Canada and strengthened the friendships I already had with my Alberta ladies. We got to explore Toronto from the CN Tower, go shopping at the Eaton Centre and meet fantastic mentors, including Olympic Athletes and Dove Models. Being in Toronto with 61 other girls made me realize how lucky I was.  I was so proud to represent Red Deer AND Alberta, and all the opportunities that were thrown at me were great. I learned that girls don’t need make-up to be beautiful, and I also learned that no matter what, I will always be myself because at the end of the day, people don’t want a fake you. I became a lot more confident and comfortable with myself in Toronto and that will be one week I never forget. I will also never forget the flight home where WestJet announced I was on the flight and I had people coming up to me all 4 1/2 hours asking for photos, autographs or just questions. I truly felt like a celebrity and I thank Canada for welcoming me with open arms.

Although I did not take the crown of Miss Teen Canada-World 2012, Red Deer welcomed me back with open arms, and I got right back to attending events. First up was Centrefest in Downtown Red Deer where I got to enjoy a weekend of street performers. Soon after I got to attend “Shakespeare in the Park” which was an outdoor performance of Macbeth which was fantastic! One of the major highlights of my reign was also getting to judge a pageant, the Alberta Beauties and Cuties Pageant.  It was such a honor to be asked, and I am so thankful I got to experience a pageant from the opposite side. I also learned that girls there had been following my blog which was such a great feeling. Right after the pageant was done and the winners were crowned, I went to the With this Ring Bridal Gala for two of my sponsors and was recognized on the runway there which was a wonderful surprise, and once again, I’m so thankful.  Shortly after, I left for school in the United States, but when I came back at Christmas I was able to officially finish my Miss Teen RD events, by being a part of the promotions crew at the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Game. This was a blast and is another huge highlight during my reign. I really felt what it was like to be a mini-celebrity there! I had girls and boy coming from all different directions to take pictures and because I was a part of the promo crew, I kept getting whisked away to the next spot in time for the camera to cut to me. It was such a fun event and I am so thankful to Red Deer Rebels Hockey for having me and to the Promo Crew for welcoming me in with open arms.

That pretty much sums up the majority of my Miss Teen Red Deer Events and WOW! I am SO THANKFUL FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM! Of course, I couldn’t have done it without any of my sponsors so bear with me as I name every business who made this entire year possible!

 Businesses: 
-Millerdale Pharmacy
-Bridal Couture Dezigns
-Big 105.5
-106.7 The Drive
-LizBee Photography
-Anton Porras Photography
-Hauck Vision and Hearing Centre
-Riverside Dental
-Dr. Marleine Kapp
-Chatters Hair Salon
-Don’s Tire & Auto
-Tony Roma’s
-Tom Bast Sports

As I have over 30 sponsors: For the individual names, please listen to/watch the video I made before Nationals thanking each and every SINGLE sponsor for their support!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXKTx7C4QSk

A special shout out to Lizzy Baril of LizBeePhotography, who took majority of my photos this year whether it was just Miss Teen shots or at events.  Also, thank you to Anton Porras of AP Photography, who took my Provincial photos as well who took the photos for my Vogue Photoshoot sponsored by Hauck Vision and Hearing Centre.  Both of you were a pleasure to work with and I couldn’t have done it without you! Also thank you to the many forms of social media who interviewed me whether it was on the radio, television or newspaper. I had multiple interviews with all three forms of media and I enjoyed them all! A big surprise was to see me on the front page of Sunrise News with the headliner “Gina Omilon is Miss Teen Red Deer.” That will forever be a great memory!

Lastly, you may want to know what is next for me in life.  Well, currently, and since October, I have been living in Los Angeles pursuing the Hollywood Dream.  I am attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for my Bachelor of Fine Arts Specialized in Acting. I will be down here for the next 4 years, including a student exchange in New York City next year. I will continue to pursue my dream of acting, and maybe I’ll run into Ryan Murphy and get onto an episode of Glee. Either way, I’m in the big city working hard every day, and I can assure you, I will not give up until I can say I made it to the top. In the meantime, I am going to try and continue my career in promotions at either a radio station down here or a hockey team, like the LA Kings or Ontario Reign. I love emceeing and being involved with promotions so we will see where that leads me, maybe I’ll guest host for Ellen one day.

Either way, the possibilities are endless and I know that I have an exciting life in store. Miss Teen Red Deer was only the beginning and I’m so thankful for the experience.  I’m sad I won’t be able to wear my sash and crown around to events anymore, but I’m so thankful for the times I did. I also am so happy that I was given the opportunity to touch a life here or there and to truly make a difference and leave an imprint locally, provincially and nationally. I currently am mentoring two girls who will also be participating in the Miss Teen Alberta-World 2013 Pageant in a couple weeks and I have big hopes for them! Good luck Madison Fertig and Ann-Marie Rogers-Criss, I know you girls can make it and I can’t wait to see you both with crowns and sashes of your own! I’m trying my best to fly up for the crowning but don’t worry Red Deer, you will be left in good hands!

I also hope that Red Deer continues to recognize how important education is, and I will continue to strive towards my platform even now and later on in my life.  Education has always been so important to me. And as always, it doesn’t have to be schooling, but education, because those are two different things. Education is everywhere and I want to see a world where every person has a chance at education. I hope Red Deer continues to support their schools and extracurricular programs, and I’m so excited to see the many improvements they’ll make in the future!

I can’t say thank you enough, I feel like I’m just repeating myself, but really….I am SO THANKFUL! My dream as a little kid was to be crowned at a pageant, just like my role model, Sandra Bullock, in Miss Congeniality and like every year at Miss Universe. I never thought it would happen, and I will never forget the moment when they called out my name, and that crown was placed on my head. It truly created a whole new side of life I never imagined.  Thank you to the Miss Teen Canada-World Pageant for this entire experience and all that you have done for me. I cannot thank you enough for providing such an amazing year. The pageant created lifelong relationships with not only my fellow competitors, but the awesome directors too such as Chris Fry and Christi Woolard who I talk to on facebook regularly about television shows and more.  I would like to especially thank Rob Campbell who has been an amazing mentor for me in my blogging and has encouraged my writing this entire process. I’m so thankful for all of your encouragement, help and major support Rob! Blogging was one of my favorite aspects of my reign because I felt like I could truly help people out there by just voicing my opinions, thoughts, etc. I felt like I could make a difference with people I couldn’t physically connect to at events and such, so thank you for everything!

Also, a big thank you to my family and friends. Thanks to my mum and dad who got used to seeing very little of me because I was always off and running to the next event. Also thank you to my sister who got used to taking pictures for me at events that she came along with. Thank you to my entire family for all of their support by liking my facebook pages, retweeting my tweets, and going through the giant process to vote for me during Nationals. And thank you to the many friends who also got used to taking pictures or having to stop so people could talk to me while I was with them. My friends were fantastic and so patient when we would be out and people stopped to chat with me. Thank you also for all of the social media support! And of course thank you to everyone who helped me via social media and for following my blog!

Well, I guess this is it. I have to say good bye. Thank you Red Deer, Alberta and Canada for all of your support and truly making me feel like a mini-Albertan celebrity as I have travelled Canada this past year during my reign. It opened up my eyes to what my future could be like, and I loved every minute of it. The last things I want you to always remember are to never give up on your dreams.  You CAN do anything. I’m down here in LA studying to become a better actor. That’s my dream and you can achieve yours too with hard work and dedication! So never give up, just work harder! Never let anyone tell you that you can’t either. Use that as motivation to prove them wrong. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. This can be anywhere in life, but I always like to remind the girls to make sure you keep your self-respect. Don’t give everything you have to boys. Respect yourself first. Always be humble, but be confident. Keep your morals and values and don’t bend them to please someone else. And lastly, be proud of yourself, and be happy. Life goes so quickly so don’t spend it being angry or upset. Things will happen, but it gets better if you let them slide off you. I have really learned that this past year. Don’t bother with anger or being bitter, but forgive and forgive quickly. Just be happy and love who you are. You can always change, but don’t ever hate yourself.

For the teens or kids who are still in school, this one is for you.  Don’t worry about popularity! You may not listen to your parents, but please listen to me.  As a kid who was made fun of everyday at school, I know what it’s like. Ignore it and let it slide off! My Miss TeenRD email will continue to be activated so you can always email me if you need to talk to someone outside of your family and friends ([email protected]). Truly though, popularity does not matter once you get out. Don’t try to be cool and do things you’re not comfortable with just to impress the “popular” kids. It all changes after high school and trust me, it gets better. Stay strong and ignore the criticism. KNOW that YOU are AMAZING however YOU are. Hold on to hope and faith…it will get better!  I promise!

For the girls who will be competing in the 2013 Pageants… Have FUN! Don’t worry about where you place at Provincials or Nationals. If you’ve been crowned, you’re already a superstar! Just enjoy the experience and take in everything. Having that sash and crown will open so many door and so many memories! It is such a honor and remember that you are now a role model in your communities! Have fun with it, and make a difference! You’ve got one year and that one year goes FAST! Make the most of it, it’s a year you will never forget!

And of course…take pictures of EVERYTHING and EMBRACE every EXPERIENCE! <3

Find freedom and opportunity…the whole world is waiting for you. And everytime you watch or see Glee, make sure to think of their #1 fan, Gina Omilon!

Thank you so much Red Deer and Central Alberta for everything, and this amazing year!
Strive for Excellence, Believe in Yourself, Stay True to Yourself, Stay Strong and of course, Dream BIG!

Love you forever and always,

Gina Omilon <3 Miss Teen Red Deer-World 2012

Song: The Hockey Song (The Good Ol’ Hockey Game) by Stompin’ Tom
Quote: “Canada is hockey” -Mike Weir

Well this last event was beyond exciting and it was in front of over 6600 people!  I was able to be a part of the Promo Crew at the Red Deer Rebels Game on Friday night! This event was definitely on my favorites list as I had a blast! The Enmax Centrium was packed for the Rebels game against the Edmonton Oil Kings, one of our biggest rivals. I started the night out by being toured around the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Office Building and was introduced to Brent Sutter, the general manager of the Rebels and the temporary coach. After I met a few other people, we did a quick run-through of what would be happening over the night, and it got decided that I would be following Joe Whitbread around. I knew Joe before so this was a pretty easy decision.

Once the doors were opened to the building, I was positioned at the front of the main doors to hand out thunder sticks to fans that were arriving. Those are the vertical air sticks that make noise when you bang them against each other. So I did that for awhile and even had a boy I babysit help me hand them out.  His name is Nick and I actually borrowed his jersey for the game, so thanks Nick! Once the game had started, I got whisked away by Joe and we began getting everything ready for our promos. Turns out, people on the promo team really never get to see any of the game. We were busy from the very start and we never stopped! It was crazy! Our first promo at the 10 minute mark was when Joe introduced me to the crowd and according to him people actually cheered really loud for me. I was too focused on doing the job right so I didn’t even notice! I had to go and load the t-shirts and the t-shirt gun and then Marissa (A promo girl) would shoot the t-shirts into the crowd. I also had to try and get the crowd to cheer louder and such.

Next up was getting ready for the first period intermission where we went onto the ice. Subway was one of the sponsors for the night so there were 4 people who were in pairs that had to make a giant body sandwich on the ice. One of my friends, Dawson, was actually one of the participants!  So once intermission had begun, I headed onto the ice with Joe. I was so scared I was going to slip but it was actually so chopped up from the skates that I had no problem walking on it. I just followed Joe on the ice and he talked to me for a bit. It was such a cool feeling to be at ice level looking up into the Centrium! It was amazing! And seeing my face on the jumbo-tron was pretty cool too, I have to admit! Dawson and his partner ended up winning the race as well, so that was awesome! After that was done, we headed off the ice so the zamboni could clean the ice. Joe had to run to somewhere in the arena to do a quick cut so I waited underneath for him to come back. Once he was back, we got ready to head back up to the seats to get ready for the next promo. At the 10 minute mark in the 2nd period, we had a little boy answer a trivia question for a gift card to Subway, and then I was able to run up and down one of the sections, handing out gift cards.

So the second intermission was now upon us and we went back on the ice for the next challenge. Two people had to shoot pucks from certain areas on the ice and try to get them through a hole in the net for money. I laid down half of the pucks on the blue line, and then just cheered them on. I also took some pictures from ice level. Once that was done, we went off the ice for a little bit and then went back on for the t-shirt sling shot. It’s this giant sling shot that whips t-shirts into the highest sections of the rink. This time while doing this though, the zamboni was on the ice, so we had to make sure we weren’t in its way.  The chopped ice also began to disappear so it became way more slippery! I didn’t fall, but there was once when I was leaving that I definitely slid haha I’m really glad that I didn’t full out fall though….that would have been a classic Gina move! So we shot two t-shirts, one to each side, and then for the third t-shirt each side had to cheer as loud as they could and Joe said Miss Teen Red Deer would decide which side was louder. I ended up choosing my right side and we shot the t-shirt over there. A girl from Premier Cheer later came up to me and told me she caught that t-shirt so I’m glad it was a kid that was able to get it. It’s always more exciting for them!

This is a great time to mention that cheerleaders from Premier Cheer were at the Centrium trying to fundraise for their trip to Las Vegas in April. They were selling flowers, and actually gave me one which was so nice of them!  It was beautiful and is in my room right now! For the third period ten minute mark, Joe and I got two of the cheerleaders, Lexie and Kaitlyn, (hopefully I got those names/spellings correct) and they had to guess a song that was going to play. It was I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas, and the girls got it right away. After, Joe and I “tried” to cheerlead and just ended up dancing really badly in front of 6600 people haha The crowd got a good kick out of it though because a lot of people tweeted about it…and that’s what we were going for! Just a good laugh!

After this was done, we were pretty much done for promoting in the crowd. We headed to below ice to get ready for the coach to come and  talk. The Rebels unfortunately lost 6-1 so only Brent Sutter came out to talk to the media. I just observed from the side and was also there to see how they call out the players who get the 3 Stars and such. After that I was pretty much done.  Joe and I got invited up to someone’s box though. I think it was Tyson Ness’ family, but to be honest, I’m not positive. Either way, it was very nice and it was the first time the box had been used so it was cool to see! The view from up there was great! We stayed up there until the post game timer was done, and then we headed out.

This event was awesome and a great learning experience! I have often thought of jobs that could support me while I’m auditioning for acting jobs, and I have always considered working in the hockey industry as a part of promotions. Now that I have seen what the other side looks like, I will think about the job a lot more seriously. Not only does LA have the LA Kings, but the Ontario Reign are nearby and a lot of other hockey franchises. I would want to work for the NHL ultimately, but I would work for the AHL or others too. So that is definitely something I will continue to look into because I absolutely loved working with Joe and the team on Friday night! Even walking around the Centrium I had little girls and boys coming up to talk to me or wanting pictures. That is my favorite thing about Miss Teen Red Deer so I was more than happy to take them. Sometimes we would be in a rush though so I had to get used to only talking shortly, or talking while walking. It literally was like you were famous. Everyone wanted to talk to Joe and I. Every once in awhile I get a Miss Teen RD event that gives me a glimpse of my future, and each time it affirms I am going in the right direction because people following me all the time has never bothered me throughout this year. I love it. So that was awesome, and the experience in general was fantastic!

So, this was officially my last Miss Teen Red Deer event as I will be heading back to Los Angeles at the beginning of January to continue school. I would like to thank Red Deer Rebels Hockey for allowing me to participate in Friday’s game! A special shout out to Dean for approving it! And a BIG thank you to Joe and the rest of the Promo Crew, Marissa and Jodi, for welcoming me into their crew for the night! It was a pleasure to work with them, and thank you Joe for being a great teacher and showing me the ropes. I got to learn so much about my local WHL hockey team! This was a fantastic last event and I’m so glad it was able to officially close off the Miss Teen RD events. I am going to miss being out in the community with a sash and crown, but it was a great good bye from everyone at the game.

My access to the blogging site will be getting taken away soon as the new girls will begin getting crowned and they will get the new access to the page, so in case I don’t get to post a good bye blog, I want to thank EVERYONE who has been a part of my Miss Teen RD journey! You all mean so much to me and have had such a HUGE impact on my life this year! Thank you so much! <3 I’ll be forever grateful!

Love you all forever and always,

Gina

With Nick's sister, Alex (on the right), and her friend

Taking pictures with some of the Premier Cheer Girls

Media Report after the game

With Turner Elson, the current Red Deer Rebels Captain

Red Deer Rebels

Song: A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
Quote: “Happiness is a form of courage.”  –Holbrook Jackson

I have been SO busy with life since after the pageant, but I am going to quickly do a blog about the last three events I attended before I left for university! Hopefully I can soon fit in another blog about my exciting new life in Los Angeles!

The weekend after Nationals I attended Centrefest in Red Deer. Centrefest is a 2-day festival in Downtown Red Deer that features contortionists, jugglers, magicians and many other street performers.  They invite performers from all over the world and shut down the streets in order to create a giant stage for comedians, actors, face painters, visual artists and more. Centrefest is the largest festival in Central Alberta with over 25,000 people attending for FREE each year!

Since the event was Downtown and had limited parking, I rode my rollerblades down and my friend, Emma, walked down with me. She came out with me to take pictures. She is an amazing friend and if you read my S-Trip blog, you can learn more about her! When we got there, I hung out at the Kids Section for awhile and hula hooped with them as well as watched them walk on stilts. I then walked the grounds, watched performances on the main stage as well as just talked to people overall. It was great to see so many people out there supporting street performers, artists and art in general. I had a fantastic time and am so happy that Red Deer supports such a wonderful cause!

In August, my family went to the United States to go on a bit of a road trip around California, Nevada and Arizona so I did not do any events because I was gone for most of the month. But when I came back in September, I was so happy to be approached about judging a pageant. I of course accepted, and was one of the judges for the Alberta Beauties and Cuties Pageant that actually took place in Red Deer!  This pageant focuses on embracing children being children with the main goal to have the child gain confidence and feel special. Each child wins at least one thing at the pageant. AB&C is a natural pageant system that accepts boys and girls from infants to teens. Their ultimate goal is to make sure the child’s pageant experience creates positive memories and that while competing, good sportsmanship is taught and confidence is gained.

I didn’t realize how difficult judging would be, but at the same time, it was a blast. It was so awesome to see so many kids and young teens performing for us. From evening gowns/dresses/suits (depending on age and gender),to “groovy” costumes for their special costume choice, the day was full of excitement. While sitting at the judging table, I made sure to smile lots so the performers didn’t feel like I was scary or anything haha I didn’t want to intimidate them! I was thoroughly impressed by some of the performances and I am sure they will become Miss Teen Canada alumni later on in their life! There were even 2 male toddlers who took to the stage and that was beyond cute!! After the scores were tabulated, we got to see the girls and boys be crowned with their titles and given huge crowns and trophies! It was so cute to see the excitement in their face and see how happy they were when they realized what they had accomplished! Their pure joy just melted my heart. Many of them stayed to talk to me and the two other judges from the Miss Earth Alberta pageant after. Many of the girls asked me about my pageant stories, advice I had for them, and what my favorite part was. The younger girls all wanted pictures of me too which was adorable! I even talked to one girl, Ana-Marie, who was awesome and she is competing in the Miss Teen Alberta pageant this coming year so I am so excited for her! She said she had been following my blog, which was great to hear!

I would like to thank Alberta’s Beauties and Cuties so much for inviting me to be a part of their pageant and having me as a judge. It was an amazing experience, and would definitely hit my “Favorite Moments” on this one year journey! I never thought I would be able to judge a pageant myself and am beyond grateful for the chance! Also, thank you to my awesome sponsor Bridal Couture & Dezigns for sponsoring me the beautiful gown that I wore to the pageant. They have supplied much of my wardrobe for my reign and I am so thankful for their generosity!

After the pageant was over, I left directly to go to the next event.  I attended the With This Ring Fall Bridal Gala for my sponsors Bridal Couture & Dezigns, as well as Big 105.5! The With this Ring Bridal gala is a one day gala where brides and their guests can visit over 40 booths in one location that deals with all things weddings, including dresses, flowers, decorations, travel agencies and more! As well, there are 3 fashion shows that go on throughout the day. There is also a Bridal Gala in the Spring. These Galas are the largest bridal galas in Alberta!

I was there about halfway through the entire show, and near the end of the fashion show. When the fashion show ended the head director of the entire gala, Pat Moore, came on stage and saw me from the stage and actually called me up on stage. I did not expect it at all! I was completely taken by surprise. I don’t even have any pictures because I didn’t expect it haha So I went on stage still wearing the beautiful gown from Bridal Couture & Dezigns and my sash and crown, and she told the crowd about my MTC-W journey and just gave me a wonderful compliment in front of all those people. Then she let me pick the Grand Prize Winner from the giant bin of ballot forms. It was so much fun and unexpected, but I was so honored for Pat to have called me up to the stage and I thank her so much!! I then got to take pictures with the prize recipients and then walked around the gala for the rest of it as well as worked at the Big 105.5 booth. I would like to thank both of my sponsors and Pat for making my appearance at With this Ring a very memorable one!

And recently, I have had a phone call interview while in LA with the Calgary Journal on pageants, the stereotypes against them, and my opinions on them in general. I have yet to see the article on their website so I don’t know if it has been printed or is going to be soon. But either way, I’m excited to read it and hope that it turns out well. It was a pleasure to be asked for an interview and I am glad I was able to contribute!

It makes me sad to think in a month I will no longer be the current Miss Teen Red Deer! I have had such a blast with this entire experience and am so grateful for it! I have met so many amazing people and it still is incredible to me that I can be simply walking in the mall and someone will recognize me and say they have been reading my blog.  Due to being a broke university student, I won’t be able to be at the provincial crowning to crown the next Miss Teens, but I will be thinking about them! I really wish I could be there for them, but I’ll be in California at school.

Thank you everyone for all of your support thus far!!

Gina

Centrefest Downtown!!

Spandy Andy's Show

5 Hula Hoops!!

A little boy who was playing mini golf!

The clock in Downtown Red Deer!

She was a former Beauty Pageant contestant and queen!

The judges table!!

With Morgan who was one of the junior bridesmaid models at the With this Ring fashion show!