Taralyn Shae Donohue, Grade 12 student of Blaine Lake Composite School, will be advancing onto the international beauty pageant level in the Dominican Republic in April.
Taralyn captured two reigning titles, Miss Teen Saskatchewan and the Miss Teen Canada First Princess, through the Canadian Globe pageant last August. This year, Feb. 6, she received a call informing her she would have the opportunity to advance and represent Canada at the international level.
"I was shocked and nervous at first," commented Taralyn, admitting the initial feelings soon transformed into excitement. "To envision myself representing Canada in a pageant was a big thing for this small-town Saskatchewan girl. The national pageant in Toronto was a huge accomplishment in my life but to participate in internationals is mind-blowing. I cannot wait."
Taralyn has matured on many levels since claiming her designations in August. Each step along the preparatory walk continues to aid the young lady in developing numerous personal and life skills.
There will be 60 delegates from across the globe converging in the Dominican Republic for the pageant in April.
"There will be three other girls from Canada traveling to participate from different age and height categories," explained Taralyn.
"I am very nervous to represent my country, yet very excited," admits Taralyn, expressing her gratitude to the many people who have been instrumental in her achievement. "I am blessed with an amazing family. My parents, grandparents, siblings and close friends have been very supportive and encouraging."
Taralyn flies to Toronto April 17 in preparation for training, then will continue to Dominican Republic April 22. While in Dominican, besides training, contestants will have an opportunity to visit and work with a local orphanage, which houses approximately 75 children.
School supplies are in short supply and difficult to obtain so, as a sign of Taralyn's true generosity, she is creating a care package of school supplies to take with her. Small item school supplies would include notebooks, crayons, pencils, erasers, etc., and anyone who would like to assist Taralyn with a donation can contact her or her parents, Murray and Leanne Donohue.
Since her crowning, Taralyn has made many public appearances including the Terry Fox Run in Saskatoon, the Breast Cancer Run for the Cure, the Imagine No Bullying kick-off show in Saskatoon with Stephen Maguire and Codie Prevost and has since organized for the No Bullying campaign to come to her school in Blaine Lake and local communities April 7.
Fundraising is well underway with the Donohue family assisting Taralyn in covering her expenses for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Two fundraisers include a dance which will be held in Leask April 4 and, effective immediately, a Prairie Meat fundraiser. Order sheets for meat orders can be obtained from the Donohue family.
"I would like to acknowledge my community for supporting me throughout this amazing opportunity," commented Taralyn, adding she is blessed to be participating in an event that promotes positive growth, self-acceptance, self-confidence and accentuates inner beauty.
Taralyn offers this advice to all young women: "My advice is to be yourself, stand up for what you believe in and most of all believe in yourself. No matter who tells you, you can't, always come back and say 'I can'. All the negativity in the world can't break someone who knows in their heart that they can do anything they set their mind to. I believe completely that everyone is beautiful, they just need the boost of confidence to show who they are. So be proud of yourself, you have the power to change the world!"
