Though most G.L. Roberts students were fascinated and in awe when 62 Miss Universe Canada contestants walks through the school’s doors, the girls were equally as interested. Some even took pictures of their experience at the school.

By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express

It was a parade of high heels and perfectly styled hair as 62 Miss Universe Canada contestants made their way inside G.L. Roberts CVI.
The 2010 finalists from all over Canada gave a one-hour presentation to the student body, giving them some words of wisdom and encouragement to fulfill their dreams.
Pageant contestants also answered randomly drawn questions from students on various issues pertaining to current events.
“It is my pleasure to welcome the contestants,” says Larry Jacula, the Durham District School Board Chair of the board of trustees.
“We wish you well in your endeavours.”
During the presentation various contestants spoke of their own personal stories of perseverance and strength.
Ashley Callingbull, from Alberta, is a First Nations Cree woman who recently attained her aviation diploma.

“Yes I can fly planes,” she told students, adding she wanted to do something to overcome the stereotype that faces First Nations peoples in Canada.
“Make sure you don’t lose your culture.”
She says it’s important teens and people alike realize their own potential and influence others to be the best they can be.
“The children are our future. This competition is so much bigger than me,” she says.
“They’ve (fellow contestants and chaperones) taught me discipline. I’m promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

While some contestants were able to tell their inspiring stories, one made a blunder that left some members of the audience shaking their heads.

Tiffany Munro from Edmonton was speaking about body image when she made the comparison that the Miss Universe pageant wasn’t about making them look anorexic like some African children.
Her speech came after another contestant spoke about being a refugee from Rwanda.
“I think she has formulated an important speech and went off track,” says Principal Deborah Johnson.
“Some of them (the contestants) were further along in forming what they wanted to say. It’s hard.”
But despite this error, the students took with them words of inspiration, adds Johnson.
“They have taken all kinds of information. For different kids, they hit different points. My kids learned some important skills about presentation,” she says.
And one of the contestants was a local - a native of the Uxbridge-area.

Katie Starke says she didn’t ever think she could model or even be a part of competitions like this because she was heavily involved in hockey and various other athletics.
“I didn’t let myself be diverse,” she says, adding she went for it and was crowned Miss Teen Canada in 2008.
“I encourage you to experience different cultures. Don’t confine yourself.”
The event at G.L. Roberts follows on the heels of a visit from former Miss Universe Canada Mariana Valente, who stopped by the school to speak in January.
The event was in preparation for the Miss Universe Canada 2010 competition, which took place June 14. The winner was Elena Semikina, 26, of Toronto.
Miss Universe Canada is an annual pageant held in Canada to decide the Canadian delegate to the Miss Universe pageant. Three of the six Miss Universe Canada winners to date have placed in the finals of the Miss Universe contest.