Jennifer Richards, who was crowned Miss Teen Yorkton World in a provincial pageant this spring, is back from the Miss Teen Canada World competition in Toronto.
A week of rehearsals, photo shoots, tours, television appearances, and preliminary competitions culminated in the final pageant day on July 16 for Richards and the other 73 contestants from across Canada.
While Richards, age 19, didn't come back with any prizes, she says she wasn't too disappointed.
"Everyone had a good time whether or not you made it into the top 20. We learned so much and we came so far."
Richards was one of eight contestants from Saskatchewan who qualified for the competition. Two members of the group made it into the top 20, and one-Miss Teen Regina World Danielle Furneaux-was third runner-up.
"We were all rooting for her," says Richards.
The week was a whirlwind of activity for the contestants, who toured the city of Toronto and made public appearances between traditional pageant activities such as swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Richards was chosen as one of five participants to be interviewed on Breakfast Television Toronto when her unusual career choice-heavy duty mechanic-caught the eye of the show's producers.
The months leading up to the pageant were also busy. Richards appeared at events around Yorkton and organized fundraisers for Free the Children, the pageant's charity of choice.
Richards says the support of her friends and family at home in Yorkton could be felt at every step.
"It was awesome to see that the community is willing to support me in pretty much anything I do."
It was Richards' first experience with the pageant circuit, but she says she would love to be involved in similar events in the future.
"We learned so much and we made so many new friends. All of us had winning in the back of our minds, but there was so much more that it really didn't get in the way."
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