For Moose Jaw's Siera Bearchell, 16, the newly-crowned Miss Teen Canada-World, the week leading up to Saturday's pageant was hectic.
During the pageant week, contestants were only able to get four hours of sleep a night due to the numerous rehearsals for the show and other tasks on the competitors' agendas.
After winning, Bearchell put one of her prizes to good use.
"I was given a (hotel) suite with a king-size bed for winning," said Bearchell.
"After all the interviews, talking with all the girls and celebrating, I just went to the suite and crashed."
Bearchell was chosen the winner from more than 50 contestants from across Canada.
"I didn't expect to win. It was a total shock," said Bearchell.
Bearchell admitted to being quite nervous during the final stages of the pageant and said the thought of winning was a farfetched idea.
She not only won the title but also the swimsuit event, which allowed her to fast-track into the top 20.
"After I made it into the top 20, my goal was to make into the top 10," said Bearchell. "I was the first person called to go into the top 10 and top five."
During the on-stage question and answer period Bearchell began to feel nervous about her chances of winning.
"I couldn't believe it when they called my name out as the winner," said Bearchell.
Bearchell will now represent Canada at the Miss Teen World Pageant to be held in Houston, Texas, in late August.
Bearchell also received $25,000 in cash and prizes.
As part of her winnings, Bearchell will be able to visit either Ecuador, China or Africa as a representative of the Free the Children charity and help build a school.
"That is going to be amazing," said Bearchell. "I can't wait to work one-on-one with the children."
Bearchell was also awarded a $5,500 scholarship to the Toronto Academy of Acting school, numerous photo shoots, designer handbags, earrings and gift baskets.
"It's a lot to take in. I worked so hard and I'm so thrilled to have been chosen as Miss Teen Canada-World," said Bearchell.
Bearchell will be required to make appearances across the country and starting in March will be visiting every province as the selections for the Miss Teen Canada-World 2010 begin.
Bearchell is excited to return to Moose Jaw soon and resume her studies at Peacock Collegiate in the fall. Bearchell said although the schedule for Miss Teen Canada-World is busy in the coming year, she does not think it will affect her schooling.
Bearchell was not the only Moose Javian to compete in the pageant. Kelsey Keddy, 14, who had been named Miss Teen World Moose Jaw, was also in Toronto.
"It was a great week," said Keddy. "It wasn't exactly what I expected it to be like. We toured around Toronto and had lots of rehearsals."
Keddy did not place in the top 20.
Colin Dewar can be reached at 691-1263.
