Three Langley residents have been given the opportunity to show off their personal accomplishments, become involved in the community and work on self-development in the upcoming Miss BC pageant.
Happening July 1-3 in Fort Langley, the Miss, Miss Teen and Mrs BC pageants aim to represent all that is beautiful in the province, with no height or weight requirements for their contestants.
Langley’s Sammy Shikaze, 28, and Isabella Llanos are vying for the Miss BC title, while Alexia Dickson, 11, will compete in the Jr. Miss BC contest.
Unlike traditional pageants, the 15th annual contest is about women empowerment and providing opportunities for personal growth.
Each participant will receive professional training over three days to prepare them for the final competition, where they will be evaluated on personal expression in sports wear and an evening gown of their choice, a private interview with the judging panel and a public on-stage interview in the showcase.
Sponsored by Black Press, the public is also invited to vote for their favourite contestant in the People’s Choice Awards. The contest ends June 23 at midnight.
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SAMMY SHIKAZE | MISS BC CONTESTANT | LANGLEY CITY
Age: 28
Instagram: @sammyslayy_
Entering the Miss BC program is a very exciting and unique experience, and definitely something I never thought I would do. A tomboy at heart, I hope to show other women that you do not have to fit into the roles other people expect of you, and that it’s okay to march to the beat of your own drum.
Growing up as one of the few kids of mixed ethnicity in my community, I know it would have been a big deal to see someone like me that I could look up to. Someone with real imperfections (and possibly a little dorky), who was unapologetic in their authenticity and let their freak flag fly!
There is a quote from Mohadesa Najumi: “The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.” Through strong female influences in my life, I have been able to find confidence in myself and the strength to take on the world. I am thrilled to be involved in a program like Miss BC which focuses on building that strength in women (of all ages, shapes and sizes), and highlights inner beauty.
To vote for Sammy in the People’s Choice category, click here.
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ISABELLA LLANOS | MISS BC CONTESTANT |
I entered the Miss BC pageant because I love performing and being on stage.
Being unique: I am still a child, even as I grow older. As people grow they tend to forget that you can still have fun. When you’re a child you run and play but when you reach a certain age you stop playing. I refuse to believe my age is a barrier to being able to continue to do that. I play on the playground, I believe in magic and I watch “kids shows.” When I need to be mature and serious, I am, but, I’m still me. That’s why I’m unique, no matter what happens I don’t lose the wonder that the world holds, as so many others do.
One of my favorite quotes is: “Young girls are told you have to be a delicate princess, Hermione taught them that you can be the warrior.” Emma Watson said this. She is one of my absolute favorite people because she is one of the people who taught me I can be the warrior, that I can be smart. I am a warrior and I am smart.
To vote for Isabella in the People’s Choice category, click here.
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ALEXIA DICKSON | JR. MISS BC CONTESTANT | WILLOUGHBY
Age: 11
School: Yorkson Creek Middle School
Alexia is a straight A Grade 6 student and is in full time competitive dance and cheer. In July, 2016 she was awarded National Dancer of the Year for 12 years and under — that was one of the best days of her life! When she is not in school or dance she is in Greek school learning their language and dancing.
Outside of all that, she loves playing with friends — sleep overs are the best! She has a 9-year-old brother who she hangs out with almost all the time. She crafts with her mom on weekends and plays video games with her dad. She loves to ride her bike, go swimming, travelling and the best — camping (she gets to sleep in).
When she grows up she wants to be a dance teacher … maybe take over the studio she trains at now.
To vote for Alexia in the People’s Choice category, click here.
