Matric is a busy year for any teenager, but Justine Le Toit (16) has added to the demands by entering this year\u2019s Miss Teen Commonwealth Pageant.<\/p>\n
The GCN recently caught up with this ambitious Ho\u00ebrskool Elsburg student in her Castleview home.<\/p>
\u201cI had an idea to enter since last year, but only made up my mind this year, on the spur of the moment,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Justine explained that entering the competition was very simple.<\/p>
\u201cI just had to send in two photos and attend a workshop where we were given all the information on the pageant and our instructions for going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following this, Justine was recently named one of the top 50 finalists in the pageant.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter finding out that I was a finalist, I have had to raise funds or find sponsorships to assist my participation in the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI decided not to approach businesses for sponsorship, instead I approached friends and neighbours for any donation and was able to raise R1 700,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
Contestants have also been encouraged to find a local charity to support as part of the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am still deciding which charity I would like to support, but have been involved in my church\u2019s fundraising efforts,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Justine is a member of the Full Gospel Church in Elsburg and some of the projects the church is involved with include, food drives and family days with the funds raised being donated to a number of charities.<\/p>\n
When asked what winning the pageant would mean to her, Justine explained that she doesn\u2019t need the crown.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am in this for the fun and the new experience and to give back to the community. It doesn\u2019t matter if I win or not.\u201d<\/p>\n
The top 20 finalists will be announced in May, following an interactive workshop, where the girls will be given an opportunity to model and be asked a series of questions by the judges.<\/p>\n
The community can also vote for Justine by SMSing her full name Justine Le Toit to 35554.<\/p>\n
For more information on the pageant visit the Facebook page: Commonwealth Pageants South Africa.<\/p>\n
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