Miss Teen Achievement
Newfoundland and Labrador

"Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador is unlike any organization with which I have ever had the pleasure of being involved.  Rewarding young women for their academic excellence, community involvement and overall team spirit is something which, in itself, is highly commendable.  I have been involved with this organization since it started, the first year as a supporter of a contestant, and the following years as a talent judge, competition judge and host.

I have remained committed to the Miss Teen Achievement Scholarship Pageant because of its honourable mission to challenge young women to excel in life and set positive examples for others to follow.  I have seen first-hand the confidence that contestants gain through their experiences with this organization, regardless of whether or not a sash and crown was theirs at the end of the day.  The long lasting friendships that I have seen blossom during pageant weekend have lead to strong minded young women collaborating to plan fundraising events and developing awareness campaigns in their communities and schools.

In addition to the endless opportunities it provides the young contestants, this non-profit organization gets involved in the community. This requires mentors and supervisors, bringing together a beautiful mix of age groups, allowing each group to inspire the other.  Every year that I am part of the pageant, I am motivated by the enthusiasm and confidence of the girls representing communities from all over Newfoundland and Labrador.

Aside from the pageant weekend, the committee actively seeks out opportunities for the girls it represents, allowing for first hand networking and confidence building. 

I feel very fortunate to have seen the amazing work that Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador does for young women and even more fortunate to see the positive results of this organization’s hard work."

-Denielle Hann, Singer/Songwriter/Radio Host

"When I was just 17 years of age, I entered the Miss Teen Achievement Scholarship Program. The MTA NL weekend was about boosting confidence and making new friends. I was honoured to be part of MTA NL; recognized as Newfoundland and Labradors' young achievers. I strongly urge any young woman interested in becoming part of this fun-filled weekend to get involved!! You will love every minute it has to offer. And, when you get too old to compete, you'll be back to volunteer, chaperone, and even be a part of the planning committee!!

- Samantha Banton, Goulds

- Leanne Kean, Torbay

“I’d like to thank you for letting me be part of this great event.  I had the best time of my life.  The weekend was so much fun.  I made so many friends and learned so much.  It was everything I expected and more, and I’d love to go back again next year.  Everything was organized so well!!!”

- Aprille Whelan, Mobile 

“I want to tell you how amazing the pageant weekend was – it keeps getting better, and I’m sure it will continue to improve!  Thank-you for putting so much time into this, it made a huge impact on everyone involved and we’ve made life-long friends.”

- Cathy Balsom, Mount Pearl

“I would just like to say a huge congratulations to all the committee members. You all did an excellent job organizing the Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Pageant. I have heard nothing but good things from audience members. The entire weekend and pageant itself went so smoothly. Everything was so organized and a whole lot of fun! You should all give yourself a huge pat on the back. I've seen firsthand the interest and dedication you put into everything and you should all be very proud. Thank you so much for everything.”

- Gina Colbourne, Carbonear

“Joanne, first of all, I would like to congratulate you and the other committee members in the organization of Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador.  No doubt I do have fond memories of my daughter, Lori, winning the Miss NL 2002/03 Pageant and I'm sure the same can be said for your memories of the Miss NL Pageant which you won. The fact that this new pageant focuses more on ones intelligence and brings a new dimension to pageants and young women is something that I like. I am the father of four children and three of those kids are girls and I am there to support the young of this province but only in a positive manner. I see nothing but positive from your first pageant and I'm sure this pageant is to grow because society attitudes towards women is changing. Should you guys feel that I am of any benefit to assist you with this pageant in the future I am certainly willing to help.”                              

- Gord Dunphy, St. John's

“I entered Miss Teen Achievement NL 2008, without the slightest bit of pageant experience, and very little expectation of becoming the new titleholder. After a fantastic and confidence-building weekend, I walked off towards a year of new experiences.  

Throughout my year, I have learned a lot about myself, and what I want to do for the rest of my life. Being Miss Teen Achievement NL gave me my first experience with the media – I did a very exciting interview with Rogers just 16 hours after the crowning! It has given me a chance to hone my public speaking skills, and most of all, introduced me to the field of Public Relations. I now know that whatever career I pursue, it will be one that involves communicating with people as much as possible.

An enormous thank-you to the Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program Committee – Anne Broderick, Joanne March, Jane Morgan, Arlene O’Keefe and Kathy Dicks-Peyton.  In supporting the young women of our province, you have taken on a formidable cause. Your hard work is evident in every detail, and I can promise you that all the past and present contestants and titleholders are infinitively appreciative that you have given us this opportunity.”

- Beth Peddle, Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador 2008/09

“This pageant you ladies have created is amazing and life changing. You have impacted my life and will impact many other young people’s lives as this pageant grows. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the first ever Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador. You'll be seeing my application again next year! The Pageant was a great success and once again thank-you!” 

- Ashley Bonnell, St. John's

“This weekend was absolutely amazing! I wanted to thank you all for such a wonderful time!  I was never in a pageant before and this has been amazing.  I learned so much and I had so much fun!  I am definitely entering another pageant next year though I'm not sure which one yet!  I hope we can keep in touch and see each other again soon!  Thank you for everything.”          

- Nancy Hillier, Marystown

“Just wanted to write and thank you for having me as a part of your show.  I certainly enjoyed it and it was a first-class production.  Congratulations on a great show and I look forward to next year.”

- Tony Angelo, Assistant Program Director, 590 VOCM

“Thank-you so much for such an amazing weekend, I truly enjoyed everything.  I learned so much about my province through the academic test and so much about my physical abilities from the fitness test.  Most importantly, I learned that it is okay to just be “me”.  Keep up the good work!”

- Jenelle Welshman, Port-aux-Basques

“WOWWWW! Thank you all so much. This weekend was absolutely amazing - full of memories that I will never forget ... and you guys as a committee did an amazing job! This event was just the beginning of a long overdue pageant that will just enhance young women.

Kathy - where to even begin. You have been given a talent that goes beyond, one that sees inside a young girls heart, and see's the full potential of where we can go in life. You took this on as a challenge and have only half way completed it because I think this is going to go on and on and be a huge success! God is using you every day and I thank Him that he brought you into my life if it was only for a short while!  Keep doing what you do.

Arlene - from the first e-mail, you've been helping me. Thanks for convincing me to apply. Thanks for the help with the speech even though it may not seem like a lot, you helped me so much! You have a presence about you that just lights up a room.

Joanne - who can do that walk like you? No one! When you passed those posters to me in school, I knew at that moment that I couldn't wait any longer! It was nuts how you kept your cool with all those girls running around backstage. I don’t know how you did it! But I'm glad you did. Thanks for everything.

Anne - you are unbelievable. Behind the scene things, you got it.  It's impossible without people like you.  You helped me through a lot when you didn't even realize it -.just by telling me you thought I was amazing!

Jane - no one else would grab my sister like you did! Thanks for the help with the bio and the sound. You have the greatest radio voice ever! Thanks for being a part of this committee. You have such a huge heart!!!

To you all - you guys all have hearts of gold. The best committee I've ever seen. Working together and like you guys said, “completing each other". You guys have really touched my life!”

- Courtney Tetford, Stanhope

“You all did a marvelous job this weekend!!!  Please congratulate all the committee members.  Mom (Miss Newfoundland 1936) had a ball, she can't stop talking about it and how nice everyone was to her.  I was really impressed with the smooth organization; I know only too well how hard it is to organize an event like that.   Please keep me in mind for your next event, I would love to partake.  I'm sure the little ones would love to be involved again as well.  Once again CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!”      

- Barbara Ashley, Barbara Ashley School of Dance, St. John's

“Being crowned Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador 2007 has been one of the most inspirational and gratifying experiences of my life. I have learned so much from this magnificent opportunity. I have had the chance to travel our beautiful province, be a spokesperson for our youth and meet many fascinating people along the way. The friendships I have formed throughout this wonderful year will no doubt last a lifetime. I have been elated by the magnitude of caring from so many people and humbled by the frailest of handshakes. This title has truly changed my life, as it has offered me a channel through which I could learn and grow. I now have a newfound pride and appreciation for our Newfoundland and Labrador. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Pageant Committee - Anne Broderick, Joanne March, Jane Morgan, Arlene O’Keefe, and Kathy Dicks-Peyton on a job well done. These women truly believe in the youth of our province and are tremendously incredible role models. Their unconditional support and guidance is invaluable to me and I know it will continue on for every young woman involved in this organization”

- Julia Hiscock, Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador 2007/08

“Congratulations on implementing such a fantastic pageant. I am a career counsellor with Keyin College, Marystown and I myself was crowned Miss Southern Newfoundland in 1979.  Prior to winning the Miss Southern NL pageant I won three other local pageants.  It's so wonderful to witness how pageants have changed and of course for the better.  We look forward to partnering with you.  If there is anything I can do to be of further help to your committee, please call. Also, your website is very user friendly and informative. Congratulations on a job well done."    

- Loretta Lewis, Career Counsellor, Keyin College, Burin Campus 

“I had the most amazing time volunteering this weekend.  I was honoured to be asked to volunteer and if there is anything I can do in the future to help support the mission of the pageant, please do not hesitate to ask.  All weekend I was wishing there was something like this around when I was in high school.”    

- Christie Meadus, Executive Director, FINALY!

"I wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for holding the Miss Teen Achievement NL Pageant with us here at The Fairmont Newfoundland. We enjoyed hosting your event tremendously.  Please let me know if there is ever anything else I can assist with you in the future.”

- Krista Cameron, Sales Manager, Fairmont Newfoundland

"Well Congratulations on another successful year!  You ladies do a remarkable job, and as a mother I want to thank you for your efforts.  What your committee does for these young ladies is commendable beyond words.  Thank-you all very much!  Shucks!! I was so close to having a year working with all of you!!  I knew when I left my daughter with you ladies that her best interest was at heart and that proved to be true.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”  

- Beverly Barbour, Witless Bay

“The Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador experience is truly a confidence builder, you make new friends and you are provided the opportunity to showcase the talented, future leaders of Newfoundland and Labrador.  On a scale of 1-10, I would give this program a 10!  It is a great opportunity for young women and I was pleased to be part of something where you are not judged on your appearance, but on your accomplishments. 

Miss Teen Achievement is well respected and known for the wonderful people involved with it.  It was an honor to be a contestant, because it is an experience that boosted my self-confidence.  You have a wonderful organization – keep up the great work!"

- Cassandra Dominic, Mount Pearl

“I just wanted to congratulate you on another fantastic weekend!  It's a lot of hard work and dedication into any pageant, let alone one as successful as the MTA. I wish I was able to be home and give you guys a hand with things. You are making a huge difference in the lives of the young women of NL and that's an amazing thing. Congratulations on another amazing weekend and many many many more to come!”                                                                                                                                                           

- Lori Dunphy, Miss Newfoundland and Labrador 2002/03

“The most valuable things I learned as a result of being a participant in this pageant, was the importance of friendship.  I also learned the importance and value of recognizing youth in this province for their accomplishments.  Participating in Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador was a wonderful experience and I gained so much from it.  Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.”

- Laura Gushue, Gander

"Miss Teen Achievement taught me how important it is to be myself, have confidence and not be discouraged if you don’t win.  I personally enjoyed the overall relaxed, yet fun mood.  The contestants spent a lot of time getting to know each other.  The entire weekend was well planned.”

- Kelly Clarke, Victoria

“I have had the pleasure to have volunteered with the Miss Teen Achievement Pageant for many years now. I can honestly say that once you meet the ladies (committee) who dedicate their lives to the pageant you automatically feel welcomed and that you are a part of the Miss Teen Achievement family - I know I do. These ladies spend hours every day planning for the pageant weekend and working with the title holder. They are genuinely committed to this organization because they believe in doing wonderful things for the community.”
 
I cannot say enough about this fabulous organization.  I think the organization can really speak for itself. Look at the former title holders and award winners and how much they have already accomplished in their young lives! Wow!! These young ladies are the future of our province, how great is that!
 
To any young woman contemplating entering this pageant consider this: whether or not you receive the title of Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador, you are still a winner, Honestly!! The self confidence and camaraderie you will walk away with is something you will carry with you for a lifetime.

From the volunteer point of view, it is so nice to see the progression of these young ladies as they come in for registration until the last night of the crowning ceremony. A few girls many recognize each other at first, but for the most part this is a brand new and exciting adventure. Remember this: these young women come from all over the province! As they look around little do they realize they will soon have new friends that will last a lifetime.”

- Christina Kearney, Volunteer and Chaperone

“Hat’s off to Kathy Dicks-Peyton and the Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Pageant committee for co-ordinating a fabulous event.  The pageant, which took place from March 23-26, at the Fairmont in St. John’s, was professional and well organized.”            

- Lana Collins, Director of Project Communication, WHSCC

“Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador has so many strong points - from the committee to the chaperones and judges.  The great organization of this event is very evident.  I really loved getting to know so many new people and made wonderful new friends.  This is an experience I will never forget.”

- Katherine Hynes, Gander

“This pageant is very well organized and I felt very safe and welcome.  Everyone made me feel so comfortable.  I liked the fact that it was a friendly competition and everyone supported each other. The experience of competing was more than I expected and I left feeling so much better about myself.  Overall, I learned that it doesn’t matter what you look like, where you are from or what you do, you will always be beautiful and intelligent inside and out.  I also learned that if I believe in myself, is it is so much easier to achieve my goals. The Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program is amazing!”

- Tobey Andersen, Makkovik

“One of the strong points about this event that impacted me was the interview portion.  I really believe this experience has prepared me for any other interviews I will do in the future.   I received a lot of support from the committee and my fellow contestants and everything was so well organized.  I have to say, being a contestant at Miss Teen Achievement was one of the best experiences of my life!”

- Jessica Bragg, St. John’s

“Being crowned the first Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador in March 2006 has been the most enriching and rewarding experience of my life. Being a titleholder has given me a chance to see this beautiful province, the opportunity to become voice for youth, and it has also opened new and exciting doors and forged life-long friendships.

Throughout my reign I traveled across Newfoundland and Labrador speaking at various functions promoting my platform: the brain drain. I have seen first-hand the promising youth of this province and hope we can all work towards a bright future. The people I have met have all touched me in some manner and I will never forget this exciting chapter of my life. Each appearance presented me with a new challenge, but also a new opportunity, to reach out and touch the people of this province. I can only hope that I have made a fraction of the impact on these people as they have made on me. Winning this title has had a profound effect on me, and I have changed and grown as a result.

Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador is made possible most of all by the dedicated pageant committee, consisting of Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Joanne March, Anne Broderick, Arlene O’Keefe, and Jane Morgan. Without these motivated and talented women, who pour their time and energy into this pageant and its titleholder, this program would not be possible.  I deeply appreciate your great devotion to the Miss Teen Achievement Scholarship program, the youth of this province, and me as a titleholder.  Your drive and energy has inspired me, and your friendship has enriched my life, thank you so very much.

I know this volunteer-driven organization will continue to grow as an avenue for the promising young women of this province, and it has been my great honour to serve as its first titleholder.

- Juliette Dupré, Miss Teen Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador 2006/07