Miss Teen Canada finalist ready for competition
Gabrielle Marleau Mior is no stranger to the world of beauty pageants. The 16 year old from St-Lazare placed in the top 12 in the Miss Teen Quebec pageant and is now a finalist in the Miss Teen Canada contest. The winner will be announced during a gala at a Montreal hotel, March 4.
Here is how it works. Leading up to the gala evening, the 10 contestants from across Canada will spend four days living at the hotel and participating in group activities. The judges will observe their social skills and interactions and conduct oneon-one interviews. Fifty per cent of a contestant’s final mark is based on those four days. Thirtyfive per cent of the mark is calculated during the gala evening — which includes a ball gown segment and a public-speaking segment — and 15 per cent of the final mark comes from online votes.
Mior spoke to the Montreal Gazette about what compelled her to enter the pageant universe.
Q Why was it important for you to enter a beauty pageant?
A From 4 years old to Grade 7 I had to wear a corset because I have scoliosis (severe curvature of the spine). I had to wear it a minimum of 20 hours a day. I felt deformed. I didn’t have much self esteem. When I was 11 years old I had back surgery. The doctor fused my spine. I haven’t grown since the operation. I’m 5 ft 2 inches tall. I was hoping to beat my mom. She’s 5 ft 3 inches tall. I’ve wanted to be in a beauty pageant since I was a little girl, but I didn’t have very good self-esteem when I was wearing the corset. After the operation, I told my dad I wanted to try.
Q Common perception of beauty pageants is that they demand physical beauty above all else. Is that a fair assessment?
A Miss Teen Canada is more about personality than beauty. That’s why the judges base 50 per cent of the mark on the activity days. I am looking so forward to the stay at the hotel.
Q But doesn’t part of the competition involve walking down the runway wearing a beautiful ball gown?
A Yes. They are looking for grace and elegance. I don’t consider myself that graceful, but I will do my best to be elegant.
Q This is your second pageant. What did you take away from the first experience?
A It gave my self confidence a big boost. Socializing with so many people you’ve just met forces you out of your comfort zone. And you get more comfortable speaking in public. That confidence will help me no matter what I decide to do with my life.
Q If you win, what would you set out to accomplish as Miss Teen Canada?
A I would like to raise money for the Shriners Hospital (Canada). That hospital did so much to help me and I want to give back. With a title like Miss Teen Canada I think I would have the opportunity to organize some great fundraisers.
Q Beyond the pageant. What would you like to do one day?
A I am 99 per cent sure that I will be a psychologist. I am already personal psychologist for all of my friends.