Miss Teen Manitoba | The Search for Miss Teen Canada

Marshaling with Police and Painting with Kids!

Winnipeg Police Services Half Marathon

On May 6th, I volunteered at the Winnipeg Police Services Half Marathon, in support of The Cancer Society. I did not have an assigned place, but instead was a court marshal at an intersection, along with two police officers, a police car and a few spectators. We directed them where to go – and it was awesome seeing over three thousand people come out, either running, volunteering, or supporting their family and friends. A few people called me ‘Princess,’ ‘Queen,’ or my actual title, ‘Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012.” After the run, I went to the finish line and waited for some of the finishers. I took a walk, saw the police helicopter and got to talk to one of the pilots. I got a picture with the son of the spectators I was talking with, while I was court marshalling, and really wanted a picture of the police horses, but I couldn’t find them once I started looking for them. It was a great morning, even though it started raining by the time the finishers started arriving. Congratulations are due to every runner there!

École Constable Edward Finney School

On May 8th, I went back to my elementary school, École Constable Edward Finney School. I spent the day with a class, painting and getting ready for their upcoming concert. I haven’t painted in ages – and I missed it! Who knew getting your hands dirty could be so much fun, even as an eighteen year old? We used an interesting technique, mix water with food color, put it in a spray bottle, then spray a piece of paper with water, then sprayed the new mix on. Once we were satisfied with the colors, as we could add any color to create whichever color we wanted, we sprinkled coarse salt on the paint. Once it dried, we would take our fingers to rub the salt off, and the design looked amazing after. I also got to see my elementary teachers, and got the chance to talk to them. One teacher even keeps all of his old classes pictures, and he was able to find my grade 5 picture – have I ever changed! It was so good to be able to see all the teachers, especially since they remembered me.

Governor Semple School

On May 9th, I got the chance to go to Governor Semple School. I spent the morning with kindergarteners and the afternoon with two different classes. In the morning, we measured things around the classroom, read a story, sang some songs, and went for a walk. During every recess, I spent time outside and kids would constantly come up to me, ask me questions and spend the time with me, sitting on a bench, rather than playing. During the last recess, they convinced me to skip rope – do you know how long it’s been, since I skipped with others? At least since I was in grade five! In the afternoon, I helped one group make a skit about being nice to others, and then went to another class and helped them finish their mother’s day gifts – plants in handmade containers – and clean up. Once that was done, we got to pick up baby chickens and play with them. They hatched the chicks the week before, and played with them every day. When the class is done with the chicks, they will go to a petting farm, and spend the rest of their lives being petted and cuddled. I haven’t held a chick since I was around six, and I was so glad I got to! It was so much fun to be able to visit this school, and I hope I get the chance to visit again.

Much love, Courtney xoxo

Written by: Courtney Mandock Tagged with:Schools, Winnipeg
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Posted On:May 16, 2012 Categories:Events, Uncategorized

Becoming Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012

It is two weeks after I was crowned Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012, and I still can’t believe it! My name is Courtney Mandock, and this is my life with a crown.

I am an 18 year old – a true child at heart – with big dreams, and a love of life and adventure. Because that’s what life is, no? Simply stated, an adventure. And here I’ll share with you my life, my adventure, that being the reigning Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012 brings with it, along with all the hopes and dreams I have of becoming the new Miss Teen Canada-World 2012.

While I’m writing this, I’m wearing my new crown – it makes me feel like a princess! An 18 year old princess! Do you remember when you were younger, and loved playing dress-up, pretending to live a life with princes, unicorns and happily ever after? Well that’s what my life is like – and it’s far from over (I have too much to do still!). My future plans have some thought put into them, but I want to take this time to write about my pageant weekend, when I transitioned from an over achieving, determined young lady, into the present Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012, a future role model for those my age and younger.

I found out about the pageant one weekend this past March, sent the link to my mom with a note attached. On it I wrote, “Doesn’t this suit me?! Can I participate? Please!” (My parents opinion means a lot to me – they know me so well!) She messaged me back saying, “Yes! It definitely suits you! We’ll talk more at home.” Unfortunately, I ended up applying very late and had the Skype interview the weekend before the pageant. This wouldn’t have been a problem, except I didn’t see the email saying I had been accepted until the due date of the money (Note to all those reading this – NEVER let a day go by that you don’t check your email and voice mails. Had I checked my email a single day later, I wouldn’t be here, wearing this crown, writing this blog). I frantically called my mom, she responded by saying, “Courtney! Calm down – we can do this, you can still participate. It will all work out!” Did it ever! We got the money in, received the forms, then I filled them out and submitted them. Onto the pageant!

Saturday, April 28th, was the first day of the two-day pageant. We were to start around 11:30am at the Fairmont Hotel. I got to the hotel around 10:45am (I maybe left a bit too early!), found which room we were going to be in, walked around a bit and took a picture for a few hotel guests and went back to sitting in front of the room. Eventually, 2 young ladies came and sat, and we started talking and soon realized that we were both here for the Miss Teen Canada-World 2012 Pageant. Michelle came shortly after, and we talked with her a little, and the rest of the day was spent walking in heels and learning how to talk in front of others. Another girl joined us and we were done by 2pm. We decided to do the interview and swimsuit part of the pageant the following day since there were only 4 of us.

After the rehearsal, I was waiting for my dad and one of the previous winners of my title waited with me. I was happy that she took the time to sit and talk with me, and we talked for almost half an hour. It was so good to be able to talk to someone like that, where you can just be yourself without needing to put on any masks. When I got home, I started writing the platform we were to speak about the next night, in front our parents. I practiced it until I knew it down cold, then decided to take a break a watch some T.V. I started laughing when Miss Congeniality came on, simply because it also has to do with a pageant (what are the chances?!). I got to sleep early and my body rewarded me for it by waking up almost an hour earlier than I had wanted to. The joys of a teenage body.

Sunday, April 29th, was the last day. I couldn’t believe that in a mere nine hours, we would be on stage, dancing, strutting our stuff in a bikini and gliding around gracefully in our evening gowns, followed by presenting our platform and why it was important to us. The morning was spent practicing our walks again, saying our platforms aloud, and learning the intro dance. (I found the dance the hardest to learn – I hope I catch on quicker in Toronto!) We then got our hair and makeup done, did a dress rehearsal, changed into our evening gowns to practice walking in them, and then into our opening number dress to rehearse once more. Finally, it was time! Parents, friends and guests started lining up, outside the door. We were hiding behind a wall, while stealing glances around the corner. We couldn’t believe how many people started coming in and sitting down! We went back to the bathroom, full of nerves and excitement. We spent the last few minutes making sure we were ready and calming each other down. We were called out, so we walked out, the music turned on, and we started the dance – and I was first! As soon as I got on stage, I looked around for my guests. My aunt, my oma, and four friends had come – I found them, and everything just seemed so much more real. (Unfortunately, my parents weren’t able to make it, but they were with me in spirit!) We finished the dance, introduced ourselves, then went to change into our bikinis. We couldn’t believe the dance had gone so well! Then we were ready and back on stage, this time with significantly less clothing. We strutted our stuff, completely confident in our bodies and our looks – we were all active and had no reason to be ashamed of how we looked. Then came the most beautiful part of the evening: The Evening Gown. Once again, we graced the stage with our presence, gliding around with smiles on our faces, happy to be in the audiences eye. After, we spoke about our platforms – mine is about environmental awareness. We went back to the bathroom for the marks to be tallied and the winner would be announced after intermission. We were called back to stage, and Michelle said that she would be able to take all of us to Toronto – and that we all made it! We all looked at each other, with joy on our faces and excited expressions. We grabbed hands, then let go, as Michelle said she still had to announce the titles. The order was not significant in the placement, and here it was: Gabriela became Miss Teen Winnipeg-World 2012, Rilee became Miss Teen Central Manitoba-World 2012, and then it was down to two delegates. (It’s so hard to write this part, I feel like I’m back there, living it all over!) Michelle announced that the young lady she announced first would be Miss Teen Southern Manitoba-World 2012, and the remaining young lady would be the new Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012. Devon was crowned Miss Teen Southern Manitoba-World 2012, which left me remaining, the new Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012! As Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2011, Jessica, crowned me and put a bouquet of flower into my arms, she whispered “Congrats! You deserved it!” I couldn’t believe it! I STILL can’t believe it. It was such an amazing moment, and I feel honoured to be the reigning Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012. We were all winners, and I’m glad I was able to meet the lovely ladies I met that weekend.

After the pageant, a lot of pictures were taken, we sat and talked for an hour about what happens next, and I went to see my dad and grandma. That following week, I barely took my crown off. I felt like a story tale princess, which proves that I am a true child at heart, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Much love,

Courtney xoxo

Written by: Courtney Mandock Tagged with:Miss Teen Manitoba-World 2012, Stepping up
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Posted On:May 15, 2012 Categories:Pageant Debut

Hello from Courtney Mandock, Miss Teen Manitoba – World 2012!

Hi! My name is Courtney and on April 29th, 2012 I was honoured to be crowned Miss Teen Manitoba – World 2012. This is my life before I was crowned.

I am eighteen years old and I have lived in Winnipeg my whole life. This is my city, let me introduce you. Let’s start with my houses. Unlike some children, I have two of them. My parents divorced when I was eight years old, so for the past ten years I have had two homes – one with my mom, the other with my dad and my grandparents. I have become close with both of my parents, perhaps because of this.

I grew up on skates – in Winnipeg, if you can’t skate, you don’t have much to do for the six months of winter we get, other than freeze. One of my first memories of skating is on this little pond atKildonanPark, having my Barbie pink and purple skates put on, waddling out onto the ice, and gliding around with my parents. I may have not been going fast, but I loved it so much that my parents put me in figure skating… That didn’t last long at all! I remember all of two classes, and wasn’t a fan (I don’t think I had the grace that was needed!). Later that year, I saw a flyer for Ringette sign-ups. I had no idea what it was, but I wanted to try it. Three years into the sport, I tried being a goalie, and the past eight years have found me in net, with no desire to look elsewhere.

My academic life has seen me excel, especially throughout High School. From Grade 9 up until graduation, I was on the above 90% French Immersion Honour Roll. I never had a spare, instead filled my days with Band, Jazz Band, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English and French. I still love making music, solving problems, writing and volunteering.

Since High School, I have always loved volunteering, be it with children, seniors or animals. These years found me enjoying volunteerism – it was not merely something I had to do. The summer before Grade 9, I volunteered at the Winnipeg Zoo. I was a Zoo Ambassador and walked around, handed out papers and answered questions – and I STILL know the zoo like the back of my hand. This started me on my love of volunteering, as I love talking to the public and doing things for myself. Since then, I have volunteered at a few places for about a year each: at a Senior’s Home, setting up for dinner, serving dinner to the residents, and cleaning up afterwards; at Canada’s Canine Academy, where I assisted with dog care, including watching over the dogs and taking them for walks; Coaching young girls in Ringette; and Peer Tutoring. I have also done several one-day events, multiple times, including: the Children’s Festival, Le Festival du Voyageur and the Teddy Bear’s Picnic. With this title, I am excited to be able to volunteer more and make even more of a difference in my community.

For three years, I was a member of the Junior Achievement Company Program. This program teaches High School students how to run their own company. It includes everything, from making the company, creating the product, selling it and trying to make a profit. At the end of the season, we disband our team and split the money equally between our shareholders, hoping to give everyone a profit. Throughout these years, I have met some incredible people, created some awesome products, made some amazing memories and learned a number of different positions. The products I made were bottle cap pins, wire picture frame holders and our final year found us making something very unique – Kevlar Dog Toys. This last year was one of my favourites, and includes one of the memories I remember best. At the end of the year, prizes are awarded. One of the most valued is ‘Company of the Year’, and to get this prize you need ‘company points’, which are gained by going to various optional activities. One of them was trying out for Dragon’s Den, for a spot on the well-known T.V. show. Our group tried out together and we amazed the staff with our young ages, our depth of knowledge, and our passion for our product. A few weeks later, I remember sitting at the computer working on paperwork, due to being Vice President of Finance, when my President calls. He tells me that we were chosen as the number one choice all acrossCanadain the under 19 category, and they wanted us on the show. We could not believe it! We told the rest of our group and celebrated together. Unfortunately, mere weeks before my President and I were to go to Toronto, we came across certain malfunctions in our dog toys. They weren’t standing up to the tests we put them through, and therefore we couldn’t go on National T.V., promoting something we weren’t 100% certain about. This was one of my greatest disappointments, not making Dragon’s Den, simply because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even so, it was also one of the greatest learning points in my life, and it made me realize that having a good team behind you, supporting one another, is something never to turn down.

My high marks landed me a direct entry into the Faculty of Engineering, at the University of Manitoba, and I haven’t regretted it once – Okay, wishing a week would just hurry up and FINISH, because you have 4 exams with another the next week isn’t regret, it’s logic! The professors I have had are mostly amazing, they explain things quickly and a lot simpler than most of my High School teachers (M. Ismé, M. Kenny and Mme. Dunwoody, of course not you!). I still question the sanity of whoever thought that learning a course in 3 months was a good idea… But nonetheless, I have completed my first year of Engineering with no casualties, made friends with a countless number of students and did well for myself this first year – although here are a few tips for anyone going into these courses: don’t suffocate yourself with math, a break is never a bad thing, and PLAN where your courses are, because running around the campus in 10 minutes while trying not to slip on the ice is a sure indication of stress. The best advice I ever received was to calm down and to not forget to enjoy my first year.

When I go back this fall, I will continue to work towards my Mechanical Engineering degree. I also hope to become a student leader for new students, on the Engineers Without Borders team, as well as a new member of one of the SAE teams (where the students make vehicles and participate in competitions). I also plan on volunteering and getting out into the public with my title, sash and crown.

Although there is a lot here, I still haven’t begun to scratch the surface of who I am. I’ve left out my dreams, why I chose my platform, my animals, hobbies and countless other things that, though taken individually may seem almost insignificant, they all form together to make me the person I am today.

Much love, Courtney xoxo

Written by: Courtney Mandock Tagged with:Academics, Hobbies, Winnipeg
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Posted On:May 10, 2012 Categories:All about me!

The Miss Teen Legacy lives on.

Written by: The Miss Teen Blog Team Tagged with:2011, 2012, legacy, Miss Teens
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Posted On:March 1, 2012 Categories:Uncategorized

And here is how it happened..

So as you know 74 of us girls from across Canada were put into one huge hotel in Toronto, called the Royal York Hotel. This hotel was huge, and when I mean huge..I mean HUGE!

It all began after the first few nights..some of the girls were realizing strange things were happening, clothes were missing, bags and jewelry were being misplaced. Alot of us were beginning to think the hotel was haunted, that was not until some of us googled the hotel and soon began to realize it was haunted! Yes, it was scary. Each night there was always something new that had happened the previous night, one girl found an old cell phone under her bed when she had already looked under her bed the previous night and nothing was there…then the phone began to ring, yikes. Another girl had eaten an apple one night, then found it on her roomates bed the next morning!

I kept telling myself “this is all just a coincidence” but strange things kept on happening. When I look back on the week I laugh, of course there were no ghosts in the hotel, well at least I hope not.

74 beautys

My week in Toronto was honestly a week I will never forget, its something that not many teenagers get the chance to experience. I feel so fortunate to have been able to make friendships from all across Canada, I really do feel blessed. These girls have made me a better person, and have taught me so much. Love you girls!

Written by: Jessica Lanzellotti
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Posted On:August 6, 2011 Categories:Ready for a scary story?

Best Week Of My Life

And The Journey Begins…

WOW! I can’t believe this week flew by so quickly, I made so many amazing friendships that will last forever and also went to many attractions. Arriving in Toronto was crazy and so exciting I had no idea what to expect, as I have never been to Toronto before. After getting settled into my hotel room at the Royal York Hotel I finally met my roommate for the week Alyssa Molhovic! She is such a sweetheart, Alyssa and I became best friends that week. We are so alike its funny, I was so happy to be her roommate.

Photo shoot In Toronto

Across Canada there were 74 beautiful and friendly girls competing for the title of Miss Teen Canada World 2011! At first going into this pageant I was a little worried about meeting everyone, but after the first day came I felt so comfortable. The second day in Toronto we had our first photo shoots and our interviews in which we got judged on. This was a long day, but we all had fun.

What We Did During Our Week In Toronto!

We attended to many events in Toronto, I felt honoured to be a part of this. We went to the CN tower in which all of us 74 delegates went up the tower and also went on the glass floor…yes, we were scared, no we did not chicken out! Tourists were taking pictures of us like crazy, everywhere we went pictures were being taken as if we were celebrities, we loved it! Then we attended Billy Elliot the musical, wow is all I have to say.

Us at the top of the CN tower

This musical is full of kids who are younger than 16, they are so talented I can’t even imagine doing what they do. It did make me want to cry, Its amazing to see how such young kids can put on such an amazing show. I recommend seeing this musical if it ever happens to come to your city! A few days later we went on the Hippo Tour, this is a tour bus and it takes you all around the beautiful cty of Toronto, and it went in water, even better.

I have to say one of my favorite parts of the trip other than meeting everyone was the fantastic food! We went to many restaurants such as, italian restaurants and greek in honour of Miss Teen World 2010 Anastasia Sidiropoulou. It was very exciting meeting Anastasia, as well as Miss Teen United States 2011 Devin Gant, and Miss Intercontinental Jessica Hartmen.

The Final Show

The night of the show went better than anyone could of asked, we had Luke Bilyk and Alicia Josipovic from the TV show Degrassi as our hosts. All of the girls had a blast, swimwear, evening gown, everything was amazing. Although at the end there is only one crown, all of the girls worked very hard and this was a trip no one will forget. I am very happy to have had this experience, I have learned so much throughout this trip, from inspiring stories, to lessons learned.

Myself, Lauren (Miss Teen Canada World 2011), and my roomate Alyssa!

The new Miss Teen Canada World 2011 is Lauren Howe! I’m so proud of Lauren, she is such a beautiful person and Im glad I had the oppurtunity to meet her. I know she will do amazing in Worlds and I wish her the best of luck! Love you!

Written by: Jessica Lanzellotti Tagged with:Billy Elliot, CN tower, Lauren Howe, Miss Teen Canada World 2011, Miss Teen United States 2011, Miss Teen World 2010
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Posted On:July 21, 2011 Categories:Week In Toronto

My TV Series!

A sixteen year old girl’s determination to show you the unbearable conditions families live in across the globe and show how a few cents a day can change a family’s life forever. - Jessica Around The Globe

By joining forces with Me To We for my Journey around the world would be life changing. My TV series is about myself traveling around the world to different countries and experiencing what it’s like to live in poverty, and how I can help change that. I would love to help out the kids who can’t afford to go to school, and those who don’t have fresh water or food. I am approaching you upon this idea because I think your organization would be perfect for my Journey across the globe. As I know Me To We has made a huge impact on many lives throughout the years and I know if you joined myself we could make an even greater difference around the globe. I would love to help promote Me To We and tell the new people I meet exactly what your organization has done. As I know 10 cents of every item that is sold throughout your company goes to Free The Children, if your organization is willing to offer that for my TV series it would be fantastic. With the money we raise, I would be able to provide these kids who have nothing with brand new books, packed up canned goods, and blankets and pillows. The littlest things bring the brightest smiles to these kids and I know they would be absolutely thrilled. To return the favour I would be willing to feature your organization on my TV show which is ran worldwide which I think would get a lot of more people involved in your organization.

Shasha Bread would be such a great team for my TV series around the globe. I would love for your company to be a part of my series as I help make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate; my goal is to help change the world a little bit at a time. With your help I would be able to provide kids with bags of snacks and treats. As you know there are many families out there who have nothing, and by nothing I mean not even two meals to eat a day. I would love for you to be involved in my TV show as I have heard many great things about your company. The feeling you get when you help put a smile on a kids face is very inspiring, this is an opportunity you will not regret. If you do decide you would like to be a part of my team and donate your goods to us, I would talk about you on my show and let the viewers what your company is and how it works.

Written by: Jessica Lanzellotti Tagged with:Me to We, Shasha Bread
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Posted On:July 6, 2011 Categories:Jessica Around The Globe

Me to We Coporate Partner

Free The Children- What they are about

Free The Children is a non-profit registered charity. They are the world’s largest network of children helping children through education.

: Hedley in Kenya, Africa with the kids.

Free the Children strongly believes that every child deserves to live their life to the fullest. Free the Children has one goal, and that is to free children from poverty and exploitation.

Free the Children has done so much over the past number of years, they have built a total of 650 schools and school rooms in 16 different countries, educating more than 55,000 children a day, wow! Now millions of people have access to fresh water, health care and better access to food.

Me to We Corporate Partner of Free The Children-

Me to We is a one of a kind organization, it is an innovative social enterprise with a mission to support Free the Children.

: In Kenya Africa.

Me to We does many great things to get the word out to every child about how each and every one of them can make a difference in our world, such as; offering goods and services, inspiring speakers, socially conscious media, environmentally-friendly products, exciting leadership training and life changing traveling opportunities to people of all ages to help encourage the changes we all want to see in the world.

Me to We gives half of its annual net profit to Free the Children and invests the other half to supporting their buisness and allowing it to grow more and become even better. In 2010, Me to We donated $1 million in cash and in-kind services to Free The Children!

School trips off to make a difference in Africa

The money that Me to We gives to Free the Children, not only helps reduce the amount of children in poverty but also helps lower Free the Children’s already low administrative costs. They arehoping that within the next few years the money will also help with Free the Children’s projects.

How has Me to We made a difference in our world?

Me to we believes that each and every one of us can help make a difference in the world by doing the littlest things, for example every Me to We item purchased a total of 10 cents goes to Free The Children. It may not seem like a lot, but in total makes a huge difference. Me to We helps individuals make a lifestyle shift to make this world a more stronger and better place.

Here is a list of what Me to We has done:

208,037 gallons of water saved by printing on post-consumer waste recycled paper
Over 90,000 trees were planted to ensure environmental sustainability through Me to We’s Buy a Tee, Plant a Tree program
Hundreds of thousands of pounds of pesticides saved by using only organic cotton in Me to We clothing
275,000 people were inspired by Me to We message through speakers, books and leadership programs in 2010 alone
145,000 volunteer hours were served by participants on Me to We trips.
400 Mama’s employed full time by Me to We in developing communities

Me to We- Highest Standards of Governance

Although Me to We is a new kind of organization, their story on how they first started is very inspring! Me to We has its own separate board, directors, staff, accounting and auditing. Their financial statements are evaluated each year by outside experts. Me to We won the 2008 Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the 2007 Skoll Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs Award.

I believe that everyone can make a difference in this world, you can donate money online, volunteering to help raise money, helping build a school, or even by donating toys, books, and school supplies.

: Myself at Free The Children ‘Shoot For Cause’ event

I have raised lots of money for Free The Children, and it was not difficult at all. The events I did were very fun, I had a smoothie sale at my school and at my mom’s work. My mom’s work also had a casual dress day in which staff paid to wear jeans, all the staff were cooperative and helped raise money for this great cause. My photographers and I had an event for models and photographers and sold tons and tons of tickets. Your help does make a difference to us!

Click here To donate to Free The Children

Click here To visit the Me to We online store

Click here To see the Me to We YouTube channel