Local learner in national competition
A local beauty, Megan van Heerden, is a finalist in the Miss High School SA 2017 competition and will compete for the title in Johannesburg on 9 December.
The competition is aimed at identifying bright young individuals to represent high school students across South Africa through various initiatives, with the main one being to support the Girl Power Foundation.
The objective of the pageant is to empower young girls through education and participating in charity work, therefore building social awareness and responsibility.
Megan, a Grade 9 learner from Ashford Christian School (the old Knysna Christian School), decided to take on the project of a “merit shop” at Dorothy Broster children’s home as part of a rewards programme encouraging good behaviour among the children.
The home has 50 children between the ages of one and 18, and Megan extends an invitation to locals to help her raise the rewards items, which she will deliver at the home on 18 November.
The 15-year-old says, “My heart goes out to people and I chose the home because I know this will mean so much to them. They don’t have the same opportunities that some of us have been presented with and some of the children from the home might be lacking a purpose to live because of what they’ve been through – so this is also to make them know they matter and are worthy.”
Megan’s mother Melinda Potgieter says her daughter has always had a heart for children. “For as long as I can remember Megan has always wanted to be involved in charity work. She has a big heart and this is a great opportunity for her to do what she always wanted to do. This complements her personality.”
The competition is also meant to build confidence and leadership skills. The winning young women would also become role models in their schools, communities, other schools and to young children across the country.
The finalists were selected out of hundreds of entries, from across the country.
To vote for Megan, visit the Miss High School SA Facebook page and like the young beauty’s picture.
Some ideas of what to donate
Headbands and hairbands, hairbrushes; body lotion; lip balm; make-up items; bead bracelets; nail polish; photos frames; deodorants; towels, blankets and cool drink bottles printed with animation characters; toy cars; balls; arts and crafts sets; colouring books and crayons or pencils; colour pens
You can even donate your time/services should you be a hairdresser or beautician etc., by offering a haircut/manicure/pedicure/ craft activity or workshop as a monthly reward that you can go and do for them at the home.
To donate, please contact Melinda Potgieter on 071 144 7928.
* For more information, and to learn more about Miss High School SA’s official cause to raise awareness for teen issues, please visit www.misshighschool.co.za.