With the stress of writing her final exams behind her and 2020 almost a thing of the past, Miss Teen SA hopeful, Micaela Manasse, 19, from Hanover Park, now has the opportunity to focus her attention on more pleasant things.
Picking out an outfit for next week’s big night at Emperor’s Palace, in Johannesburg, is way more fun than to grapple with geography.
Micaela, a matriculant at Alexander Sinton High School and part of a set of twins, said beauty pageants are not only just about prettiness, but offer young girls a chance to work on their self-esteem and confidence and to do their bit for charity.
As such she’s hoping to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the residents of Cheshire Home, in Turfall, by collecting gifts for 70 shoe boxes she intends donating to the home.
“I’ve always been fascinated by pageants. About five years ago I entered a community pageant at the civic centre. I did this for about three years then wanted to do something a little bigger.”
After digging around on social media, she entered some competitions, picking up a number of accolades along the way.
Her big break came when a friend encouraged her to enter the Western Cape leg of Miss Teen SA pageant which ultimately led to her qualification for the national finals.
● If you’d like to sponsor or support her, follow Micaela on social media or visit the Miss Teen SA Facebook page to vote for her.