“I first heard about this during March break and applied on a whim,” she said. “I was at the point where I was ready to take on new opportunities and challenges.
“When I heard I was Miss Teenage Nova Scotia I almost didn’t believe it at first. It means a lot to me.”
Earning the title involved interviews and reference letters, and means she will attend the national competition in Toronto in August. While one teen earns a provincial title, there may be other girls from the same province, representing specific areas, who will also take part in the Miss Teenage Canada competition. Zoe has received a lot of advice and support from a previous Miss Teen Central Nova Scotia.
Zoe hopes to be able to encourage other young people to go after their dreams, have confidence in themselves, and to volunteer in their community.
“My platform is youth empowerment,” she said. “If youth realize the power they have they can do a lot. Finding your passion helps you find who you are and have a happy and successful life.
“Volunteering is one of the best, and easiest, ways to make a difference.”
Zoe volunteers with a French preschool, an animal hospital and a shared reading program. She’s also involved in the CEC student council and school choir, and takes piano, singing and dance lessons. She recently earned the Grand Jeté Award, presented to dance students who contribute significantly to the dance community, as well as the local arts and theatre communities. She was also a cast member in the recent student production of Rock of Ages.
“I feel acting is my calling. I’ve always loved acting, singing and dancing – and I love public speaking.”
She has taken part in some recent events and is happy to make appearances when requested. She hopes to create an event where youth can showcase talent, and organize a youth empowerment group.
“There’s so much pressure to fit in, people can shy away from opportunities,” she said. “It’s easier to be yourself than try to reach the standards of other people.”
Organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring Zoe or having her appear at an event can email [email protected] .
You can follow Zoe at http://missteennovascotia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissTeenageNovaScotia2017/?hc_ref
Twitter: @missteenNS2017
Canada 150&Me
Earlier this year Zoe created a video that earned her a trip to Montreal for a youth forum as part of Canada 150&Me.
Youth from the Montreal event and three other forums were chosen to attend the national event, and Zoe will be part of a group of about 150 young people who will be in Ottawa June 27-July 3. The youth will present findings from the regional forums to government, business and community leaders, and will volunteer throughout the week in Canada’s 150th celebrations.
