Ladner teen vies for national pageant title
Growing up, Ladner resident Kiana Passmore remembers gathering around the TV with her family to watch the glitz and glamour of the annual Miss World pageant.
Part of the fun was commenting on each contestant's choice of evening wear. Those comments and critiques will be front of mind for Passmore when she selects her own gown to wear onstage during her first national pageant this spring.
The 18-year-old Delta Secondary grad is a finalist for Miss World Canada 2012. She will compete for the title with other young women aged 17-24 from across the country at a crowning gala May 13 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.
"I'm very optimistic about where this is going to take me," Passmore says. "I want to be a very inspiring role model."
Passmore is a familiar voice in South Delta. The singer/songwriter has performed at a number of local fundraisers and events over the years and, outside the community, she has also performed at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival and was a top 10 finalist for a Beat 94.5 radio station contest.
Not surprisingly, when it comes to the talent portion of the pageant, Passmore will likely be armed with a microphone.
All the Miss World Canada finalists are tasked with raising money for Variety–The Children's Charity in advance of the crowning gala.
It's a charity Passmore, an active volunteer, has been involved with for many years, and she has come to know the kids who benefit from her fundraising efforts.
"I see the same people every year when I go there, so it's sort of like a family," she says.
Passmore is planning a number of fundraising events in March to raise money for Variety, and is also seeking sponsors to support her bid for the Miss World Canada crown.
Although this will be her first time participating in a pageant-style competition, Passmore isn't nervous.
"Being a performer myself, I've already had that experience being in front of people and performing," she says, noting she has also dabbled in acting and dance as well. "It's something I enjoy doing, and I'm passionate about."
The winner of Miss World Canada will receive an all-expense paid trip to Ordos in China to compete in the Miss World pageant, as well as scholarships, prizes, and leadership opportunities.
For details about Passmore's fundraising events, or for sponsorship information, visit www.kianaformissworldcanada.webstarts.com.
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