The world at her feet
Crowning glory for KWT tween
August 11 will always be remembered as a remarkable milestone in the life of Caitlyn Cassels, from King William’s Town, after she scooped the crown at the Toddler and Tween of the World pageant in Klerksdorp.
The grade 7 Hoërskool De Vos Malan head girl pulled out all stops to win the crown in the 13-14 age category against contestants from all over the country.
Cassels’s mentor, Brendon Gosling of Rihnaj Models Incorporated, was instrumental in raising the R2,000 admission fee required from all contestants.
During an interview with the Go! & Express, the young and energetic beauty queen shared her special moments and future plans.
“I have been participating in pageants for a while,” Cassels said.
“The competition was very tough. I was really nervous, but I kept my cool and I pulled through.
“Now I cannot wait to begin working with charity organisations and inspiring the youth.”
She added: “The experience has been great and I have enjoyed every moment. Being part of the pageant has been an amazing roller coaster ride, full of stress but worth it in the end.”
Cassels said that her family had kept her going and had supported her modelling career.
“My mother, Senolene Cassels, is my pillar of strength and the driving force in my life.
“If it wasn’t for her, I would never be where I am today,” she said.
Cassels said she hoped to be a fashion designer and travel the world one day.
Her advice to others is: “Believe in yourself so you can achieve your dreams.
“No matter how discouraged you might get at times, you must know that if you can dream about doing something, you will always have everything to make it come true.”
“Beauty is in the way you hold yourself and how you treat others, self-acceptance and beauty is in your soul.”
Her mother said: “Caitlyn is such a gifted child and with this achievement she has made us very proud as a family.”