By Bridget Cook
A CRANBOURNE teenager is hoping to become Australia’s next beauty pageant queen and is calling on the local community to get behind her venture.
Cranbourne Secondary student Alysha Oehms, 17, is in the running to become Miss Teen Australia 2011.
The competition is a national beauty pageant for young women aged between 16 and 19-year-of-age.
The competition is known as a stepping stone to international events including Miss Universe.
Alysha said she entered the competition as it’s something she was interested in.
“I’m in to beauty and all that stuff, so I though I’d give it a shot,” she said.
“I want to study beauty therapy and sports massage when I finish school.
“It also sounds like a lot of fun.”
Alysha is following in the footsteps of her mother, Vicky, who also competed in a similar competition at the age of 17.
Prior to the finalists being chosen, Alysha will be interviewed.
The top 10 judges choice finalists in the competition will then be flown to a beach resort in Fiji to compete for the crown.
On location, the finalists will take part in the photoshoot, evening wear and swimwear category and interview process.
There is, however, another way Alysha can become a finalist – as the People’s Choice winner.
All entrants are now up on the Miss Teen Australia website where people can learn how to cast their vote.
Miss Teen Australia 2006 People’s Choice winner Rachel Finch went on and was fourth in 2009 Miss Universe.
Alysha encouraged the local community to get behind her and vote so she can live out her dream. She said winning would mean the world to her.
“It would mean everything to me to become a finalist,” she said.
“I would be the happiest girl in the world.
“I would really appreciate everyone’s votes.” Voting for the People’s Choice category closes on 3 September.
To vote for Alysha SMS TEEN 158 to 1990 1090.
For more information visit www.missteenaustralia.com.au.
