Local teen competes for crown

Grade 11 Fatima Academy student Allyson Roche was recently accepted into the top 20 level of the Miss Teen Achievement competition. Ms. Roche first heard of the competition when friends of the family had heard of a scholarship pageant on the radio. After some research, her interest increased.

"The focus, to me, seemed to be on academic achievement and all that it encompassed, including awards and involvement in different capacities such as school and community," she said. However, for her, the deciding factor was the deadline.

"The deadline for applying was at twelve o'clock on the night of my birthday. I decided to go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained," she said with a smile.

Her mother, Brenda Roche, said, "I encouraged Allyson to apply for the competition because I know she is capable of doing it and I know everything she puts her mind to, she gives of herself 100 per cent."

Weeks after she initially applied, Ms. Roche was notified of her acceptance in the top 20.

The next step in the competition was getting a sponsorship. Branch Mayor Priscilla Corcoran Mooney and her husband Chris, agreed to sponsor Allyson through their bed and breakfast, The Cliff House at Red Point. Ms. Roche said she is very grateful for their kind actions.

Recognition

Mayor Priscilla Mooney, explains,"Young adults play a very large role in building our community, and Allyson is one of those teenagers that work very hard in her volunteering," said Mayor Corcoran Mooney. "Our sponsorship is recognition for that."

An added feature to the Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador competition is the Community Pride award, supported by Provincial Airlines. The Community Pride award is for the people of Newfoundland Labrador's communities to vote for one of the top 20 contestants that are the 'pride of their community.' Voting may take place on the Miss Teen Achievement website or by sending an e-mail to communitypride@missteenachievement.com with the name of the person you are voting for in the subject line. Voting for this award ends on April 2, 2009.

Ms. Roche said she is happy with the support she's gotten so far.

"The response so far has been tremendous and I thank everyone who has taken the time to vote for me daily," she said. "Within a few days, my friend Samantha got the ball rolling and started a Facebook group to invite people to show their support for me. The fact that people are on there, showing their support, overwhelms me."

Fatima Academy's principal, Ms. Barbara Leonard-King, said the school was very proud of Allyson.

"She consistently gives 100 per cent to both school and community, and is most definitely a worthy recipient. At the moment, it's obvious Allyson is working hard in preparation for the upcoming challenges," said Ms. Leonard-King. "It's great to see a student seek out a scholarship that is not so availed. Scholarships make a large impact when it comes to secondary education, they lessen debt and it's great to receive the recognition of hard work and achievement."

Ms. King also admitted, "I'm a faithful voter for Allyson."

Ms. Roche has consistently been an Honour Roll student since Grade 4, she is also the winner of several Fatima speak-offs, has achieved highest grades in many of her courses, has gone to the regional level in a Heritage Fair, and last year, she won the highest overall marks in a junior high program. She already has plans for after her high school graduation she plans to attend Memorial University and to pursue a career in the medical field, either a pharmacist or a doctor.

The 2009 Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador will go ahead April 3-5.

'Quite a challenge'

"As the weekend is fast approaching, I am excited, anxious, nervous and hopeful all at the same time. The three-day venture will be quite a challenge. It includes an interview, a written academic test, a physical fitness test, talent competition, public speaking and the grand finale, the gala."

This model student, 17-year-old girl, friend, community volunteer, daughter, and a high school student hopes, one day, she can represent the young people of this province with her voice as Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador.

Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador is a scholarship program for females, ages 13 to 18, that reward females for academic achievement, their personal talents, service to one's community, leading a healthy lifestyle, and being an overall volunteer. The teenager chosen is to act as a role model for the young people of Newfoundland and Labrador and be involved in various acts of charity and be generally pro-active in their province.