MILLBROOK, N.S. — Frankie Sylliboy’s personality, talent and drive to help others earned her a title and a crown.
The 17-year-old Millbrook resident was named Miss Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games during a pageant in Waycobah in August.
“It’s not about who’s the prettiest; it’s about sharing, talent and meeting new people,” she said. “I was going to be at the event anyway, and friends and people in the community encouraged me to take part. It’s fun and you make a lot of new friends. Winning was a nice surprise.”
Nine young women competed in the pageant. They were judged on poise, ability to communicate, sincerity, sense of humour, morals, manners, talent, community interests, public speaking, promptness and responses to questions.
“On the first day we were interviewed about our lives and took part in a talent competition,” said Sylliboy. “I take voice lessons with Beth Terry and I’ve performed in musicals and in the Truro Music Festival, so I sang.
“The next day we had to speak about ourselves and our goals, and we drew random questions and had two minutes to answer. The question I got was about what I thought the biggest obstacle holding back youth is. I think it’s a lack of self-confidence.”
Sylliboy, who was the master of ceremonies at this year’s Rally Against Racism, is comfortable speaking in public.
She’ll represent the summer games at events during the upcoming year and will attend next year’s pageant, in Chapel Island to hand over the sash and crown.
The Grade 12 student also wants to become more involved with local youth.
“There are a lot of people in the community who play volleyball, but I’d like to see more young people involved in different sports,” she said. “I’d like to see more people playing sports like basketball, which I really enjoy.”
She plans to attend Dalhousie University next fall, and eventually become an elementary school teacher.
