An Atlantis meisie is the only Capetonian to have made it to the finals of the Miss Teen Commonwealth SA pageant.
Tylana Ann Russel, 16, will strut her stuff at the Grand Finale at Gold Reef City Casino on 16 August.
Tylana is in the Top 18 and was selected from 28 other hopefuls.
The teen says the pageant empowers young meisies with the knowledge to be leaders of tomorrow and focus on leadership skills, modelling and public speaking to name but a few.
Part of their brief is to work for a charitable cause and Tylana says she would like to donate to St. Josephs Home for Chronically Ill Children.
“I have a passion for charity work and love giving back,” she says.
“All contestants need to make a difference in their communities during the competition.
“Through the Commonwealth Pageants, a platform is created for young women to become charity and culture ambassadors within South Africa and the broader international community.”
With the motto of “bringing wealth to the community”, the Miss Teen Commonwealth SA pageant is the leading philanthropic pageant for teenage girls in South Africa.
CHANCE: Tylana Ann Russel. Picture: Supplied
Tylana says she still needs to raise funds for flights to Johannesburg for herself and family members to participate in the finals.
She is currently in Grade 10 at Curro Century City High School and loves hockey, soccer, athletics and gymnastics.
Tylana is also learning how to speak Mandarin and Cantonese.
She grew up on a farm in Atlantis but says she’s a city girl at heart.
The winner of Miss Teen Commonwealth SA wins R15 000 and the chance to take part in Miss Teen Commonwealth Global.