Former GHS pupil is first Miss Ghana South Africa
A FORMER Girls’ High School pupil, Michelle Danso, claimed the crown in the inaugural Miss Ghana South Africa pageant in Bryanston, Johannesburg on Saturday.
The event was hosted in conjunction with the Ghana High Commission.
Danso, 21, who is an industrial psychology student at the University of the Witwatersrand, said this week she was born at St Mary’s Hospital in Mthatha and went to school in Qumbu and Kokstad before starting at GHS in Grade 8. She matriculated from the school in 2013.
“I would like to thank GHS for making me the woman I am today. From the friends I made to the relationships I had with my teachers, the school has had a positive impact on my life till this very day. I miss GHS so much. I still uphold the values of the school and I incorporate them in my everyday life.”
Her message to young women is that it’s fine to be different.
“We live in a society with so many pressures and young women feel the need to conform to these pressures. Build your confidence, embrace your flaws and insecurities and get out of your comfort zone. You will be amazed what this can do for you. Young women have so much potential, do not just dream, go after it. Nothing is impossible.”
Danso said the crown of Miss Ghana SA was something she had wanted to achieve “and I made sure I put extra effort in everything I did”.
She said she wanted to be remembered as an advocate for helping dark skinned women battling with self-esteem issues to feel comfortable in their own skin.
“I want to achieve this through my blog and workshops that I host where women (not only Ghanaian) come together and discuss issues of today, have fun and get some inspiration from motivational speakers.”
Acting deputy principal at GHS Cynthia Lentoor said Danso had shown great integrity during her years at the school and was an above average pupil.
The school was “extremely proud” of her achievement and shared in her excitement.