Hanover Park’s little beauty queen, Keegan “Apple” Croy, who was recently crowned Miss Pre-Teen Western Cape, is paying it forward by teaching other girls how to strut their stuff on stage.
The 12-year-old recently organised a pageant for over 20 girls in her neighbourhood.
And the meisie knows what she’s doing - not only did Keegan win the Miss Pre-Teen pageant, but she was also awarded for the Best Interview, Best Dressed and Miss Personality.
Keegan lives with her ouma, Daphne Croy, and despite the gang violence in the area, she is determined to help youngsters in her community fight for a better life.
She hosted “Miss Hanover Park” for girls between four and 19 and the show was a huge hit, complete with entertainment and celebrity appearances like DJ Trennex, singer Richard Julies and drag queen Laylah Zokufa Khan.
The event took place on Saturday, 16 November at the Hanover Park Civic Centre and was arranged with the help of Ward councillor Antonio van der Rheede.
Daphne says besides wanting to show everyone a good time, they also highlighted safety for children during the school holidays, which start on 4 December.
All the contestants received gifts, dresses and shoes thanks to generous donors like gospel singer Jonathan Rubain, and the organisation Jedi Tedi, for which Keegan is an ambassador.
PERFORM: Richard Julies. Picture: Supplied
“It was about giving back and showing the children from Hanover Park that it does not matter where you come from, you can become something,” says Daphne.
“We also wanted to send out a message which the Master of Ceremonies communicated, that parents need to know the whereabouts of their children during the holidays.
“These artists and people we had for entertainment are from Hanover Park, so these children could see that anything is possible.”
PLEDGE: With Dan Plato. Picture: Supplied
Keegan says she wanted to make the children feel special: “I could see the joy and happiness on their faces when they were all dressed up.
“We want to thank everyone who made this event possible.”
Mother Nadine Hunter, 33, whose daughter Tyra, 12, was crowned first princess in her age category, said the show was “amazing” and an eye-opener for them.
“My child was fascinated by everything,” she said.
