| Messages from |
| Miss Teen Newfoundland & Labrador 2008 |
| Laura Woodworth |
February 25, 2009
Hello everyone!
I'm writing what will probably be my very last journal entry as Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador, and
wondering how the past year could have possibly gone by so quickly. In just one week's time the Miss Teen
Newfoundland and Labrador 2009 pageant weekend will have begun and 30 wonderful young women will be vying
for the title. I have a long list of Goodbyes and Thank-you's, and I want to make sure I get them all said, as it would
be impossible to do so in the few hours we have on the actual pageant night!
I will forever be grateful to all the amazing people I met during my travels in this past year. To the families who
graciously opened their homes for me to stay in, and the committees who did everything in their power to ensure my
visit was a comfortable one, I could never say thank-you enough. I found "home" where ever I travelled on the
island and made new family in each community I visited. To the people who donated their time to escort me around
during festivals, or to give me tours of their towns, and to those who donated meals or lodging, your sacrifices are so
deeply appreciated. How lucky am I to have had the opportunity of this title? I could not ask for a better place to
represent than Newfoundland and Labrador. It didn't matter which corner of the province I found myself in, I was
always taken care of. I can only hope that I will have the chance in the future to return to the lovely communities I
was introduced to during my reign.
One of the hardest good-byes I will have to say is to my new friend and this years Miss Newfoundland and
Labrador; Sheena Winsor. The timing of our reigns, and my recent move to Corner Brook, only allowed us to share
a very limited number of events and I wish there was time for more. When I saw this beautiful young woman
crowned I knew immediately that she was a great choice for the role as Miss NL, but I did not know that I would
be gaining such a wonderful friend. I am very lucky and grateful to have gotten the opportunity to spend any time at
all with such an amazing person, and I will miss sharing events with you, Sheena! I am so thankful that I have gotten
to know you, and have gained a friendship that will hopefully last for a lifetime!
My reign, especially all the traveling I participated in this summer, would in no way be possible if not for my parents.
Be it driving from Conception Bay to St. Anthony or leaving Harbor Breton at midnight so that I would have the
chance to get home to my own bed, they were always there, trying to (and very successfully) balancing my
commitments and my well-being. My Mum and Dad have given me the support necessary to live out this opportunity
of a lifetime and I could never thank them enough for that. I am also deeply grateful to my wonderful sister, Jenny,
who accompanied me on some events as well. It was not easy for any of them to adjust to my new hectic schedule
and demands, but they did, and for that I would like to say Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you.
When taking on this role there are a lot of adjustments that need to be made, and they are not all on a personal level.
So many accommodations and arrangements were made to suit me that I couldn't begin to list them all. I have the
deepest gratitude for my school and teachers, who would help me catch up with work that I missed, or reschedule
tests for me so that I could attend events. Because of their leniency and kindness I was able to live out the most
incredible learning experience I could ask for. I learned invaluable lessons through my travels and interactions and I
am so thankful that I could count on my teachers to allow me to do this. My school was also more supportive than I
could have ever asked for. Arranging a congratulatory assembly for me, having a banner with my name on it hanging
in the front lobby, giving me flowers and cake... These gestures were all above and beyond anything I ever dreamed
of. Thank-you so much for giving me your support and love. It really meant the world to me.
In particular, there is one very special person at my high school who helped make my year amazing. Dorothy Pretty
has been there with me since the beginning when I won the title of Miss Grand Falls-Windsor 2007. It seems like so
long ago that we set out on the journey of getting ready for the Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
pageant. Your help and guidance has truly been invaluable during this experience. I will always remember the great
time we had traveling to Miss Universe Canada in Toronto... driving all night to catch flights, rushing home to host
our own Miss Grand Falls-Windsor 2008 pageant, cramming in as much shopping as we could manage in one
weekend,and getting a little lost at times. I am so grateful to have shared this all with you. Thank-you for going
above and beyond to help me when I needed it. I am certain that none of this would have been possible without you.
My friends have also made incredible sacrifices this past year so that I could have this opportunity. I am so lucky to
have friends that didn't mind rearranging plans so that I would be home for them, and that understood when I
couldn't be home for their birthday because I was traveling. I have some very special people that I would like to
thank individually for everything they have done for me... 1) I know that I could search the whole world over and
never find a better best friend than Arielle Noseworthy. She has done so much for me that I wouldn't know where to
start. She has been there from the very beginning when my name was announced as Miss Teen Newfoundland and
Labrador 2008, and she will be there with me next week as I get ready to hand the title over to the next girl. Be it
through a phone call, a visit, or a gift I know that it doesn't matter how far apart we are, she is always going to be
with me. This kind of support has been more invaluable to me than I can explain. 2) I have been lucky enough to see
one of my best friends, Mandi Gale, become Miss Grand Falls-Windsor 2008, and compete for the title of Miss
Newfoundland and Labrador. Getting to share this experience with such a close and wonderful friend is an
incredible opportunity. I have been so lucky to have had the chance to pass on my knowledge to her and to watch
her grow in her title. 3) I could never ask for someone more understanding and supporting than Mitchell Greeley.
From taking my phone calls at 3 am because it was the only time I had to call to not hearing from me for days on
end because I was too busy or outside cell phone range, he has understood it all. Knowing that I can always turn to
you when I need advice, or just to talk, means more to me than I could ever tell, and I hope you know just how
appreciative I am for you. Thank-you for making so much time for me in your incredibly busy schedule!! I know
that's not an easy thing to do, and I am so grateful that you do. 4) Having a friend like Tony Parsons, (who was
definitely voted "Dr. Phil" in high school for a reason!) makes me one of the luckiest people in the world. How many
nights have you let me talk your ear off for hours?! You always know how to cheer me up, and I have never for a
second doubted your support and guidance. Thank-you for always letting me know that I have someone there to
turn to whenever I need it, for being there with me every single step of the way, and for making me feel like I am
never alone.
It is quite obvious that this experience would be impossible without those who actually run the pageant each year!
What's not so obvious is just how much work and time they put into this. I could never say Thank-you enough to
Isabelle and Chris Fry for everything they've done for me this past year. For all the times you've driven me to events,
taken me for coffees, listened to my problems, and done whatever else I needed, I will always be thankful. Living on
my own in St. Johns was certainly a big adjustment, but I knew that you were there the second I needed you.
Danielle Seward has also shown me an incredible amount of support during this experience. Since she placed the
crown on my head last February, I have always known that I can turn to her for advice and guidance. I am very
proud to be following in the footsteps of such an amazing young woman and one of my goals as Miss Teen
Newfoundland and Labrador was to live up to the legacy she has left behind. Having role models like Danielle
makes me so fortunate!! Thank-you for everything you've done!
The sponsors of the Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008 pageant have also done above and beyond what
I could ever ask of them. From providing me with prizes, to helping me with transportation, they have helped make
this year the unbelievable experience that it has been. Thank-you so much for your sacrifices and all that you have
done for me and the other past title holders and contestants. Please forgive me if I have forgotten someone, or
haven't specifically mentioned someone who deserves to be. Your efforts and support do not in any way go
unnoticed. There are hundreds of people who have made my journey possible, and I am forever deeply thankful for
each individual one.
I am incredibly excited to meet the 30 young women who will be competing for the title of Miss Newfoundland and
Labrador 2009 next week! From reading their biographies I am already blown away with the quality of contestants
that have been chosen. It is amazing to see the many different places being represented in this years pageant. Best of
luck to all contestants as you prepare for next week! I know from personal experience the excitement and
nervousness that you are all feeling right now. My advice to you would be to soak up and enjoy every second of the
next 11 days... they will be over before you know it, and much too fast. Get ready to make friends that you will have
for a lifetime, and to experience the most incredible 4 days of your life! Don't let yourselves be stressed out or
worried, just let your true self shine through, and show Newfoundland and Labrador just how amazing you are!
Before we know it, Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2009 will be writing her last journal entry and we will
all be wondering where another year has gone. My advice to her would be to make sure you spend that time
reveling in each new experience and living in every moment. From the very first second the crown is placed on your
head I urge you to immerse yourself in this new opportunity you have been awarded and take everything you can
carry from it. I hope you always know that I am here whenever you need guidance or advice, but that you learn to
make this coming year your own and venture on a totally new and personal path. You will meet amazing people and
do amazing things, and I hope that you learn as much or even more than I did and thoroughly enjoy this chance of a
lifetime.
Now that I have 11 days left to attend events as Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador I'm thinking about what I
would like to do as my year comes to a close. I am very fortunate to be helping out with this year's East Coast
Musics Awards here in Corner Brook! As a musician and avid music lover I am so excited to be ending my year
with such an amazing event. I'm also hoping to get to as many shows and workshops as I can attend, as this is
definitely an incredible opportunity! I urge everyone to get involved with this somehow, be it through volunteering or
watching a show! We are so lucky to live in a place that has seen the birth and growth of some amazing musicians.
The quality of music in Newfoundland and Labrador, and all of Eastern Canada is something to be proud of, and I
am still in awe at having the opportunity to be part of all this. I couldn't be happier that Sheena will be attending this
very special event with me, and I am definitely looking forward to the next few days!
Finally, it's time to say Good-Bye. I would like to Thank everyone who took the time to follow my journeys this past
year and who has supported me during this time. Getting to visit your communities and meet you all has meant the
world to me. Thank-you for teaching me the true meaning of hospitality as you welcomed me and for never making
me feel like anything less than royalty. I am so honored and blessed to have shared this opportunity with you all, and
I truly feel like I have been given the chance to represent the most amazing place in the world.
With Love, Thanks, and Best Wishes,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
September 26, 2008
Hi Everyone!
First things first.. I should apologize for the long gap between my last journal entry and this one! If you've been
following my summer schedule I hope you understand that things got a little busy for awhile! With university starting
on top of that I've had a crazy last couple of months, but I'm finally feeling settled in and back to normal!
I managed to squeeze quite a few events into the summer and I had a great time doing them all! Now that I've done
some extensive travel all over our beautiful province I can appreciate so much more how beautiful and diverse it is. I
was so lucky this summer to visit new places, meet new people and try new things. It was truly one of the most
amazing learning experiences I could have asked for. There was quite a variety of events to attend which made the
experience even more enjoyable! I spent my summer touring the viking site in L'anse aux Meadows, hosting
"Clarenville Idol" during Clarenville days, helping volunteer efforts such as the Sobey's celebrity shopping spree for
the food bank and the Central Northeast health foundation regatta, attending community festivals where they fed me
the most delicious food (I recommend that everybody attend the Cow Head Lobster festival at least once... you
have to try the Lobster!!) and welcomed me with the warmest hearts (If you do ever get to Cow Head you'll realize
there's so much more to stay for then just the Lobster!!), and just getting to meet and spend time with some of the
nicest and most sincere people in the world.
Since summer things have slowed down a little in preparation for university but I've still had the honor of attending
some very special events. On September 13th I went downtown to Pier 7 and helped welcome the arrival of two
very special young men named Vin and Greg. These two guys volunteered their time this summer to Bike the whole
way across our country! The ride was a fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for Chron's and Colitis. Their effort
raised over $48,000 and surely bought much attention and awareness to the cause! I was honored to be there as
they finished their ride right here in St. John's and to congratulate them of their tremendous efforts. I've met so many
heroes during my reign so far and it's truly inspiring for me to see all the dedication that people are focusing towards
these great causes. Congratulations Vin and Greg!
Just this past weekend I had the honor of attending the 50th Miss Newfoundland and Labrador pageant in Harbor
Grace! The event honored 50 years of amazing women who've held the title and many of the past titleholders
travelled back to the province to attend. One very noteworthy past titleholder is Margaret Reynolds. She was the
very first Miss Newfoundland in 1947! I felt so blessed to meet this incredible woman who has remained poised,
lovely and well spoken after all these years. It was very inspirational to meet these women and hear of all they have
achieved in their lives since they held the title.
The 50th Miss Newfoundland and Labrador was crowned that night and I was very pleased when Sheena Winsor
took the title. In the limited time I got to spend with this girl Sunday night I could see how sincere and beautiful she is
inside and out. I look forward to spending time with her at various events throughout the next few months and I am
certain they will be very enjoyable! I would also like to extend congratulations to the other 11 amazing ladies who
competed for the title. The 1st runner up was Dayna McDonough and the 2nd runner up was Amie Gillam. Jacinta
Pittman took away the Miss Friendship and Miss Fitness award and Erika Lavers came out as Miss Photogenic.
Everyone did a great job! One contestant was very special to me and I'd just like to take a moment to say
congratulations to Mandi Gale, the current Miss Grand Falls-Windsor. Mandi is one of my closest friends who I had
the honor of crowing Miss Grand Falls-Windsor in April. To see how she has grown in her title and what an amazing
job she did competing in her first provincial pageant makes me incredibly proud! Congrats again to all 12
contestants! It was so great to meet you all and I hope you keep in touch!
I'm now living in St. John's and attending Memorial University where I'm studying Biochemistry (Nutrition)! It's so
great to finally be attending university and I'm loving my courses so far! The transition from Grand Falls-Windsor to
the city and from high school to university was a tricky one but I'm finally feeling confident that I'm getting the hang of
university life. I'm looking forward to attending more events in St. Johns over the next few months! Christmas is
coming up soon and I'm so excited for the downtown Christmas parade and the St. Luke's Christmas concert along
with other events I'll be attending!
It's a little unbelievable when I think about it, but my reign as Miss Teen NL is already over half finished! It was 7
months ago now that Danielle placed the crown on my head and I jumped into this role! Looking back at how fast
those months have gone is the scariest part because it makes me realize that before I know it I'll be placing a crown
on the new Miss Teen NL 2009! During the time I have left however, I'm hoping to make the most out of my reign!
The next 6 months are sure to be just as crazy as the last, but I know that they will also be just as enjoyable and
fulfilling!
I hope this entry is finding you all well and I'll try and get my next update to you a little sooner!! Thank-you so much
for the enjoyable summer and I hope you're all as excited as I am for the coming events during the remainder of my
reign!
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
July 9, 2008
Hello again Everyone!
Looking back at my journal entries I realized that I tend to start every one the same way.. with a comment on how
much time has passed. But time is going by so quickly and I can't help but to be shocked when I look at my
calender and see that its now been 5 months!! I guess it's true that time flies when you're having fun - I've sure been
having a blast!
My graduation has come and gone, and now I'm into summer, which is a very, very busy time! In the last little while
I've done some things around town, such as the Grand Falls-Windsor portion of the Janeway Telethon, Tim
Horton's Camp Day, and the Heel 'n' Wheel-a-Thon for Chrone's & Collitis. I've also been travelling! Back in June
I went to Bonavista for the Discovery Days Festival! It's been a long time since I was in Bonavista, so I really
enjoyed the visit! They were so gracious in welcoming me to their town. I stayed in a beautiful bed and breakfast,
and was treated to lunch, along with a fabulous tour of the town. They even let me board the Matthew replica ship!
It may have been a little foggy there, but I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery, especially the lighthouse and the view
of the ocean!
Just this past weekend I got to go back to Cow Head for their Lobster Festival! I was so excited to return to this
beautiful town! After having been there in March for the Winter Festival I couldn't wait to get back there and see
everyone again! Just like last time, I had so much fun and was treated like royalty for the entire weekend! It was a
little cold when I was there in March (We ended up driving home in a blizzard!!), and I didn't get to see much of the
town, but my second trip certainly made up for that! I was taken on a tour of the head and spent some time
exploring the sandy beaches! It was such a relaxing weekend that I almost wanted to stay for the whole summer!
My parents and I got to see a show called "Demons" which was put off by the Gros Morne Theater Festival and I
was so impressed by the calibre of their work and acting. It was a first class performance and I hope to see another
show by them again someday! During this trip I stayed at the Seabreeze Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful place which
overlooks the water, and they certainly looked after me there! :) To finish up the weekend, we were treated to a
delicious lobster dinner. Thank-you so much to the people of Cow Head, and to Rufus Payne in particular! I look
forward to coming back to Cow Head for a visit sometime in the future as it is one of the most
beautiful communities I have ever been in!
Here is where things start to get hectic! This weekend I'll be attending a regatta in Lewisporte which it a fund-raiser
for the Central Northeast Health Foundation. Then it's on to Salmon Cove (which I've never visited and am looking
forward to!) for their Folk Festival. Next week I'll be in St. Anthony for the Grenfell Heritage Day celebrations,
then to Corner Brook for Corner Brook Day, and I'll be spending that weekend here in my home town for the
Salmon Festival celebrations! I'm very excited to participate in this with my town. I live in such a supportive place
that's full of amazing people and any chance I get to spend time with them means so much to me! :)
The role of being Miss Teen NL has yet to sink in fully I think. Somedays I almost forget and when I'm reminded it's
a little shock all over again!! I just feel so blessed to have this experience and the chance to travel and explore my
beautiful province.
I hope you are all enjoying your summer!
Love,
Laura Woodworth,
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
May 21, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Well, another month has passed, and things have certainly not slowed down at all!
Since my last entry some very exciting opportunities have come my way like getting to go see the Miss Universe
Canada national finals in Toronto! I had a such a great time getting to meet all the beautiful young women competing
for the title and it gave me some wonderful insights into the pageant world! Congratulations to all of the ladies who
won awards, placed in top 20, and each and every one who competed! I could see how passionate they were for
the role and how they enjoyed getting the opportunity to just be there! Special congratulations to Samantha Tajik,
the new Miss Universe Canada! She is absolutely beautiful inside and out and certainly deserves the title! Best
wishes in your coming year and good luck representing us at the Miss Universe pageant this year in Vietnam!
I've also spent some time attending events here in Grand Falls-Windsor, like Dawson's Walk for Miracles. I had a
great afternoon getting to meet one of the bravest little boys! Dawson was in a bicycle accident that caused him to
spend a long time in the Janeway, but his determination got him through it! He was named this years Miracle child
and, with the help of his family, organized the walk for miracles to raise money for the Janeway. I was so honored to
be part of this because Dawson's brave and determined spirit was so beautiful and inspiring. It meant so so much to
see this little boy, who has been through so much, giving himself back over to help others! Congratulations on the
success of the event, Dawson! You are truly a hero and a miracle, and defiantly so in my eyes! :)
It was a busy time here last month in my school and community as we hosted our Miss Grand Falls-Windsor
pageant! As the former Miss Grand Falls-Windsor / Miss Exploits Valley High 2007 it was my job to hand over the
title and crown to the new Miss GF-W/EVH! I was very happy to hand it over to one of my good friends Mandi
Gale. All of the girls who competed blew me away with their stage presence and public speaking! For many of them
it was their first time in such a competition and they handled themselves unbelievably well! I'd like to congratulate
every one of you for the work you put into your speeches and interviews, and the great job you did with the evening
and business wear! In particular, congratulations to Vanessa Carroll and Arielle Noseworthy, who were named 2nd
runner up and 1st up respectively (Arielle was also awarded the spirit award), and of course, Mandi Gale, the new
Miss GF-W/EVH! She will go on to represent our community on the provincial level and I know she'll do a great
job!
The other event that I attended here in my hometown was the Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase. It was a chance
for new brides to be to look at wedding dresses, tuxedos, etc. I got to watch some guys from my school model the
tuxes and it was defiantly entertaining seeing them strut down the runway! The pictures are posted here on the site,
but their names are not included. The models were; Timothy Hynes, Greg Ballard, Peter Corbin, Adam Dyke, and
Casey Henessey and I have to say good job at your first try modelling!
Now that summer is fast approaching, my schedule is fast filling up! Some events I'm looking forward to in the next
little while include the Tim Horton's camp day here in Grand Falls-Windsor on June 4th, the St Luke's Fashion show
next week in St. Johns, and the Canadian Hard of Hearing Events happening here in Central starting tomorrow! I'd
love to see you out giving support at some of these events, like camp day! It's great to get together as a community
to support such good causes.
Over the next few months as I get to travel the province for all the summer festivals and events I'll be meeting a lot of
you, and I'm really looking forward to that! I know it will be an exciting summer and I can't wait to get started with
it!
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
April 15, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Wow, it isn't until I sit down to write my journal entry and look back upon my time as Miss Teen Newfoundland and
Labrador so far that I realize it's already been 2 months! 2 very busy and very enriching months!
Already I have gotten to do some travelling to brand new places and that has been very enjoyable! My trip to
Labrador City during their Winter Odyssey and Ski Loppet was so much fun and I was once again fortunate enough
to meet some wonderful people. I learned a little about cross country skiing, though I wasn't brave enough to try the
10, 27 or 50 kilometer trip that all the 'pros' took part in! I did work up the nerve to take part in the dog sled rides,
and had such a great time doing that! Thank you to everyone in Labrador who made my trip so enjoyable and
comfortable! Just to name a new that would include; Air Labrador, Beatrice and Rhonda, the members of the Ski
Clubs, and my family in Labrador. I will definitely make a trip back to Labrador sometime! (Hopefully soon!)
I would really like to bring to everyone's attention a wonderful young man who has taken on an incredible task to
raise awareness for autism. I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Howard this weekend past at an event hosted by
the Central Autism society in his honor. He is so dedicated to his cause that he is now running across Canada to
raise funds and awareness to help those families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Campaign is called
Run the Dream and targets one of the least understood problems facing our society. Little is done to raise
awareness or research funds for autism and I would like to wish Jonathan all the best as he continues this very brave
and inspiring act of kindness. If you're interested in finding out more about Run the Dream please take the time and
visit their site (www.runthedream.ca).
Right now am getting ready for this summer . . . planning my schedule, figuring out where to visit and what events
to attend . . . and it's so exciting for me! I have such a wonderful chance to visit new places and I get the feeling
that this summer will be one that I won't soon forget!
I'm looking forward to all the new experiences that are coming up in the next 10 months. I know they'll be just as
amazing as these last 2 months have been.
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
February 22, 2008
Hi Everyone!
It's hard to believe that it's been only a week since the pageant! I'm missing it so much, and I'm especially missing all
the wonderful people I had the opportunity to meet. I'd like to start off by saying thank-you to everyone who was
involved in last weekend, and who made things run as smoothly as they did! You all made the experience totally
unbelievable and unforgettable for me!
So many people have been asking me things like "What was your favorite part about the weekend?" and while I've
been thinking of answers for that, it's a very hard question! Through this pageant I've had chances to learn and do so
many new things that it would be pretty well impossible to pick which was the most enriching and enjoyable.
However, if I did have to pick, I would say the people. Our memories would not be to same if it weren't for the
people we experienced them with! In the short time I've been back, I've already spent lots of time talking to, meeting
up with, and recounting memories with the other girls from the pageant. It's amazing how you can make best friends
in the span of 3 days!
The amount of support I've received since returning home has been absolutely unreal! My whole school showed up
to an assembly Wednesday afternoon to welcome me home and congratulate me! I'd like to thank Ms Dorothy
Pretty and Ledon Byrne for the effort they put into planning that event. It's so surreal to walk into my school and see
a "Exploits Valley High Home Of Miss Teen NL 2008 - Laura Woodworth" banner hanging in the front lobby! I
would love to take the time to list out the names of all the people in my school who have been so supportive, but I'm
confident that they know who they are and how much I appreciate them! :)
Among these people there are a few who I would like to take the time to thank more personally. Those are my best
friends and my family. From the beginning of this adventure months ago, they have all been right there behind me.
When things got overwhelming and tough for me I never doubted that I could rely on them. Knowing that I have
people like this surrounding me makes the good moments even more exciting and the hard moments easier to deal
with. We are who we are because of the people who have influenced us and these wonderful people have helped
make me who I am today! I cannot thank them enough or ever let them know how much they are appreciated! Each
of them knows who they are individually, and I'd just like to take the opportunity to send them all my love and
deepest gratitude.
Things have started getting busy already. In admist all the excitement of getting home, there have been
responsibilities for me to attend to as well. Tuesday was my photo school with Sara Rostotski, and that was so
amazing! The wonderful people at the Model Shop and the Hair Force did a great job of getting me ready for the
shoot by doing my hair, makeup, and providing some beautiful dresses, and Sara took some incredible portraits!
She is without a doubt one of the most talented people I've had the pleasure of meeting and it was such an honor to
spend some time with her and have her take my pictures! I'd like to say thank you to all these people for making my
first event as miss teen unforgettable, and for allowing me to feel like a princess on that special day! :)
I have also attended events here in my home town as well! Myself and Ledon Byrne spent some time at the curling
club helping the senior teams celebrate the opening of their tournament! I really enjoyed learning a little bit about
curling because I didn't know a thing about it before! It's great that these opportunities to learn new things present
themselves and I'm looking forward to that throughout the next year.
Lastly, but definitely not least, I want to thank all the people who showed up at the pageant, or else let their support
be known in some way. Being up on stage can be nerve-wrecking, but when you can feel the love from your
support system it really makes it easier to shine and be yourself. I'm sure I speak for every contestant in the pageant
when I say that without the people who stood behind us we could not accomplish all of the things that we have. I'm
very excited to be representing such amazing people during the next year! I hope I get to meet as many of you as
possible and I can only imagine what a wonderful time I'm going to have as your new Miss Teen Newfoundland and
Labrador 2008.
Thank you all so much!
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland & Labrador
Hello everyone!
I'm writing what will probably be my very last journal entry as Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador, and
wondering how the past year could have possibly gone by so quickly. In just one week's time the Miss Teen
Newfoundland and Labrador 2009 pageant weekend will have begun and 30 wonderful young women will be vying
for the title. I have a long list of Goodbyes and Thank-you's, and I want to make sure I get them all said, as it would
be impossible to do so in the few hours we have on the actual pageant night!
I will forever be grateful to all the amazing people I met during my travels in this past year. To the families who
graciously opened their homes for me to stay in, and the committees who did everything in their power to ensure my
visit was a comfortable one, I could never say thank-you enough. I found "home" where ever I travelled on the
island and made new family in each community I visited. To the people who donated their time to escort me around
during festivals, or to give me tours of their towns, and to those who donated meals or lodging, your sacrifices are so
deeply appreciated. How lucky am I to have had the opportunity of this title? I could not ask for a better place to
represent than Newfoundland and Labrador. It didn't matter which corner of the province I found myself in, I was
always taken care of. I can only hope that I will have the chance in the future to return to the lovely communities I
was introduced to during my reign.
One of the hardest good-byes I will have to say is to my new friend and this years Miss Newfoundland and
Labrador; Sheena Winsor. The timing of our reigns, and my recent move to Corner Brook, only allowed us to share
a very limited number of events and I wish there was time for more. When I saw this beautiful young woman
crowned I knew immediately that she was a great choice for the role as Miss NL, but I did not know that I would
be gaining such a wonderful friend. I am very lucky and grateful to have gotten the opportunity to spend any time at
all with such an amazing person, and I will miss sharing events with you, Sheena! I am so thankful that I have gotten
to know you, and have gained a friendship that will hopefully last for a lifetime!
My reign, especially all the traveling I participated in this summer, would in no way be possible if not for my parents.
Be it driving from Conception Bay to St. Anthony or leaving Harbor Breton at midnight so that I would have the
chance to get home to my own bed, they were always there, trying to (and very successfully) balancing my
commitments and my well-being. My Mum and Dad have given me the support necessary to live out this opportunity
of a lifetime and I could never thank them enough for that. I am also deeply grateful to my wonderful sister, Jenny,
who accompanied me on some events as well. It was not easy for any of them to adjust to my new hectic schedule
and demands, but they did, and for that I would like to say Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you.
When taking on this role there are a lot of adjustments that need to be made, and they are not all on a personal level.
So many accommodations and arrangements were made to suit me that I couldn't begin to list them all. I have the
deepest gratitude for my school and teachers, who would help me catch up with work that I missed, or reschedule
tests for me so that I could attend events. Because of their leniency and kindness I was able to live out the most
incredible learning experience I could ask for. I learned invaluable lessons through my travels and interactions and I
am so thankful that I could count on my teachers to allow me to do this. My school was also more supportive than I
could have ever asked for. Arranging a congratulatory assembly for me, having a banner with my name on it hanging
in the front lobby, giving me flowers and cake... These gestures were all above and beyond anything I ever dreamed
of. Thank-you so much for giving me your support and love. It really meant the world to me.
In particular, there is one very special person at my high school who helped make my year amazing. Dorothy Pretty
has been there with me since the beginning when I won the title of Miss Grand Falls-Windsor 2007. It seems like so
long ago that we set out on the journey of getting ready for the Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
pageant. Your help and guidance has truly been invaluable during this experience. I will always remember the great
time we had traveling to Miss Universe Canada in Toronto... driving all night to catch flights, rushing home to host
our own Miss Grand Falls-Windsor 2008 pageant, cramming in as much shopping as we could manage in one
weekend,and getting a little lost at times. I am so grateful to have shared this all with you. Thank-you for going
above and beyond to help me when I needed it. I am certain that none of this would have been possible without you.
My friends have also made incredible sacrifices this past year so that I could have this opportunity. I am so lucky to
have friends that didn't mind rearranging plans so that I would be home for them, and that understood when I
couldn't be home for their birthday because I was traveling. I have some very special people that I would like to
thank individually for everything they have done for me... 1) I know that I could search the whole world over and
never find a better best friend than Arielle Noseworthy. She has done so much for me that I wouldn't know where to
start. She has been there from the very beginning when my name was announced as Miss Teen Newfoundland and
Labrador 2008, and she will be there with me next week as I get ready to hand the title over to the next girl. Be it
through a phone call, a visit, or a gift I know that it doesn't matter how far apart we are, she is always going to be
with me. This kind of support has been more invaluable to me than I can explain. 2) I have been lucky enough to see
one of my best friends, Mandi Gale, become Miss Grand Falls-Windsor 2008, and compete for the title of Miss
Newfoundland and Labrador. Getting to share this experience with such a close and wonderful friend is an
incredible opportunity. I have been so lucky to have had the chance to pass on my knowledge to her and to watch
her grow in her title. 3) I could never ask for someone more understanding and supporting than Mitchell Greeley.
From taking my phone calls at 3 am because it was the only time I had to call to not hearing from me for days on
end because I was too busy or outside cell phone range, he has understood it all. Knowing that I can always turn to
you when I need advice, or just to talk, means more to me than I could ever tell, and I hope you know just how
appreciative I am for you. Thank-you for making so much time for me in your incredibly busy schedule!! I know
that's not an easy thing to do, and I am so grateful that you do. 4) Having a friend like Tony Parsons, (who was
definitely voted "Dr. Phil" in high school for a reason!) makes me one of the luckiest people in the world. How many
nights have you let me talk your ear off for hours?! You always know how to cheer me up, and I have never for a
second doubted your support and guidance. Thank-you for always letting me know that I have someone there to
turn to whenever I need it, for being there with me every single step of the way, and for making me feel like I am
never alone.
It is quite obvious that this experience would be impossible without those who actually run the pageant each year!
What's not so obvious is just how much work and time they put into this. I could never say Thank-you enough to
Isabelle and Chris Fry for everything they've done for me this past year. For all the times you've driven me to events,
taken me for coffees, listened to my problems, and done whatever else I needed, I will always be thankful. Living on
my own in St. Johns was certainly a big adjustment, but I knew that you were there the second I needed you.
Danielle Seward has also shown me an incredible amount of support during this experience. Since she placed the
crown on my head last February, I have always known that I can turn to her for advice and guidance. I am very
proud to be following in the footsteps of such an amazing young woman and one of my goals as Miss Teen
Newfoundland and Labrador was to live up to the legacy she has left behind. Having role models like Danielle
makes me so fortunate!! Thank-you for everything you've done!
The sponsors of the Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008 pageant have also done above and beyond what
I could ever ask of them. From providing me with prizes, to helping me with transportation, they have helped make
this year the unbelievable experience that it has been. Thank-you so much for your sacrifices and all that you have
done for me and the other past title holders and contestants. Please forgive me if I have forgotten someone, or
haven't specifically mentioned someone who deserves to be. Your efforts and support do not in any way go
unnoticed. There are hundreds of people who have made my journey possible, and I am forever deeply thankful for
each individual one.
I am incredibly excited to meet the 30 young women who will be competing for the title of Miss Newfoundland and
Labrador 2009 next week! From reading their biographies I am already blown away with the quality of contestants
that have been chosen. It is amazing to see the many different places being represented in this years pageant. Best of
luck to all contestants as you prepare for next week! I know from personal experience the excitement and
nervousness that you are all feeling right now. My advice to you would be to soak up and enjoy every second of the
next 11 days... they will be over before you know it, and much too fast. Get ready to make friends that you will have
for a lifetime, and to experience the most incredible 4 days of your life! Don't let yourselves be stressed out or
worried, just let your true self shine through, and show Newfoundland and Labrador just how amazing you are!
Before we know it, Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2009 will be writing her last journal entry and we will
all be wondering where another year has gone. My advice to her would be to make sure you spend that time
reveling in each new experience and living in every moment. From the very first second the crown is placed on your
head I urge you to immerse yourself in this new opportunity you have been awarded and take everything you can
carry from it. I hope you always know that I am here whenever you need guidance or advice, but that you learn to
make this coming year your own and venture on a totally new and personal path. You will meet amazing people and
do amazing things, and I hope that you learn as much or even more than I did and thoroughly enjoy this chance of a
lifetime.
Now that I have 11 days left to attend events as Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador I'm thinking about what I
would like to do as my year comes to a close. I am very fortunate to be helping out with this year's East Coast
Musics Awards here in Corner Brook! As a musician and avid music lover I am so excited to be ending my year
with such an amazing event. I'm also hoping to get to as many shows and workshops as I can attend, as this is
definitely an incredible opportunity! I urge everyone to get involved with this somehow, be it through volunteering or
watching a show! We are so lucky to live in a place that has seen the birth and growth of some amazing musicians.
The quality of music in Newfoundland and Labrador, and all of Eastern Canada is something to be proud of, and I
am still in awe at having the opportunity to be part of all this. I couldn't be happier that Sheena will be attending this
very special event with me, and I am definitely looking forward to the next few days!
Finally, it's time to say Good-Bye. I would like to Thank everyone who took the time to follow my journeys this past
year and who has supported me during this time. Getting to visit your communities and meet you all has meant the
world to me. Thank-you for teaching me the true meaning of hospitality as you welcomed me and for never making
me feel like anything less than royalty. I am so honored and blessed to have shared this opportunity with you all, and
I truly feel like I have been given the chance to represent the most amazing place in the world.
With Love, Thanks, and Best Wishes,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
September 26, 2008
Hi Everyone!
First things first.. I should apologize for the long gap between my last journal entry and this one! If you've been
following my summer schedule I hope you understand that things got a little busy for awhile! With university starting
on top of that I've had a crazy last couple of months, but I'm finally feeling settled in and back to normal!
I managed to squeeze quite a few events into the summer and I had a great time doing them all! Now that I've done
some extensive travel all over our beautiful province I can appreciate so much more how beautiful and diverse it is. I
was so lucky this summer to visit new places, meet new people and try new things. It was truly one of the most
amazing learning experiences I could have asked for. There was quite a variety of events to attend which made the
experience even more enjoyable! I spent my summer touring the viking site in L'anse aux Meadows, hosting
"Clarenville Idol" during Clarenville days, helping volunteer efforts such as the Sobey's celebrity shopping spree for
the food bank and the Central Northeast health foundation regatta, attending community festivals where they fed me
the most delicious food (I recommend that everybody attend the Cow Head Lobster festival at least once... you
have to try the Lobster!!) and welcomed me with the warmest hearts (If you do ever get to Cow Head you'll realize
there's so much more to stay for then just the Lobster!!), and just getting to meet and spend time with some of the
nicest and most sincere people in the world.
Since summer things have slowed down a little in preparation for university but I've still had the honor of attending
some very special events. On September 13th I went downtown to Pier 7 and helped welcome the arrival of two
very special young men named Vin and Greg. These two guys volunteered their time this summer to Bike the whole
way across our country! The ride was a fundraiser to raise funds and awareness for Chron's and Colitis. Their effort
raised over $48,000 and surely bought much attention and awareness to the cause! I was honored to be there as
they finished their ride right here in St. John's and to congratulate them of their tremendous efforts. I've met so many
heroes during my reign so far and it's truly inspiring for me to see all the dedication that people are focusing towards
these great causes. Congratulations Vin and Greg!
Just this past weekend I had the honor of attending the 50th Miss Newfoundland and Labrador pageant in Harbor
Grace! The event honored 50 years of amazing women who've held the title and many of the past titleholders
travelled back to the province to attend. One very noteworthy past titleholder is Margaret Reynolds. She was the
very first Miss Newfoundland in 1947! I felt so blessed to meet this incredible woman who has remained poised,
lovely and well spoken after all these years. It was very inspirational to meet these women and hear of all they have
achieved in their lives since they held the title.
The 50th Miss Newfoundland and Labrador was crowned that night and I was very pleased when Sheena Winsor
took the title. In the limited time I got to spend with this girl Sunday night I could see how sincere and beautiful she is
inside and out. I look forward to spending time with her at various events throughout the next few months and I am
certain they will be very enjoyable! I would also like to extend congratulations to the other 11 amazing ladies who
competed for the title. The 1st runner up was Dayna McDonough and the 2nd runner up was Amie Gillam. Jacinta
Pittman took away the Miss Friendship and Miss Fitness award and Erika Lavers came out as Miss Photogenic.
Everyone did a great job! One contestant was very special to me and I'd just like to take a moment to say
congratulations to Mandi Gale, the current Miss Grand Falls-Windsor. Mandi is one of my closest friends who I had
the honor of crowing Miss Grand Falls-Windsor in April. To see how she has grown in her title and what an amazing
job she did competing in her first provincial pageant makes me incredibly proud! Congrats again to all 12
contestants! It was so great to meet you all and I hope you keep in touch!
I'm now living in St. John's and attending Memorial University where I'm studying Biochemistry (Nutrition)! It's so
great to finally be attending university and I'm loving my courses so far! The transition from Grand Falls-Windsor to
the city and from high school to university was a tricky one but I'm finally feeling confident that I'm getting the hang of
university life. I'm looking forward to attending more events in St. Johns over the next few months! Christmas is
coming up soon and I'm so excited for the downtown Christmas parade and the St. Luke's Christmas concert along
with other events I'll be attending!
It's a little unbelievable when I think about it, but my reign as Miss Teen NL is already over half finished! It was 7
months ago now that Danielle placed the crown on my head and I jumped into this role! Looking back at how fast
those months have gone is the scariest part because it makes me realize that before I know it I'll be placing a crown
on the new Miss Teen NL 2009! During the time I have left however, I'm hoping to make the most out of my reign!
The next 6 months are sure to be just as crazy as the last, but I know that they will also be just as enjoyable and
fulfilling!
I hope this entry is finding you all well and I'll try and get my next update to you a little sooner!! Thank-you so much
for the enjoyable summer and I hope you're all as excited as I am for the coming events during the remainder of my
reign!
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
July 9, 2008
Hello again Everyone!
Looking back at my journal entries I realized that I tend to start every one the same way.. with a comment on how
much time has passed. But time is going by so quickly and I can't help but to be shocked when I look at my
calender and see that its now been 5 months!! I guess it's true that time flies when you're having fun - I've sure been
having a blast!
My graduation has come and gone, and now I'm into summer, which is a very, very busy time! In the last little while
I've done some things around town, such as the Grand Falls-Windsor portion of the Janeway Telethon, Tim
Horton's Camp Day, and the Heel 'n' Wheel-a-Thon for Chrone's & Collitis. I've also been travelling! Back in June
I went to Bonavista for the Discovery Days Festival! It's been a long time since I was in Bonavista, so I really
enjoyed the visit! They were so gracious in welcoming me to their town. I stayed in a beautiful bed and breakfast,
and was treated to lunch, along with a fabulous tour of the town. They even let me board the Matthew replica ship!
It may have been a little foggy there, but I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery, especially the lighthouse and the view
of the ocean!
Just this past weekend I got to go back to Cow Head for their Lobster Festival! I was so excited to return to this
beautiful town! After having been there in March for the Winter Festival I couldn't wait to get back there and see
everyone again! Just like last time, I had so much fun and was treated like royalty for the entire weekend! It was a
little cold when I was there in March (We ended up driving home in a blizzard!!), and I didn't get to see much of the
town, but my second trip certainly made up for that! I was taken on a tour of the head and spent some time
exploring the sandy beaches! It was such a relaxing weekend that I almost wanted to stay for the whole summer!
My parents and I got to see a show called "Demons" which was put off by the Gros Morne Theater Festival and I
was so impressed by the calibre of their work and acting. It was a first class performance and I hope to see another
show by them again someday! During this trip I stayed at the Seabreeze Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful place which
overlooks the water, and they certainly looked after me there! :) To finish up the weekend, we were treated to a
delicious lobster dinner. Thank-you so much to the people of Cow Head, and to Rufus Payne in particular! I look
forward to coming back to Cow Head for a visit sometime in the future as it is one of the most
beautiful communities I have ever been in!
Here is where things start to get hectic! This weekend I'll be attending a regatta in Lewisporte which it a fund-raiser
for the Central Northeast Health Foundation. Then it's on to Salmon Cove (which I've never visited and am looking
forward to!) for their Folk Festival. Next week I'll be in St. Anthony for the Grenfell Heritage Day celebrations,
then to Corner Brook for Corner Brook Day, and I'll be spending that weekend here in my home town for the
Salmon Festival celebrations! I'm very excited to participate in this with my town. I live in such a supportive place
that's full of amazing people and any chance I get to spend time with them means so much to me! :)
The role of being Miss Teen NL has yet to sink in fully I think. Somedays I almost forget and when I'm reminded it's
a little shock all over again!! I just feel so blessed to have this experience and the chance to travel and explore my
beautiful province.
I hope you are all enjoying your summer!
Love,
Laura Woodworth,
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
May 21, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Well, another month has passed, and things have certainly not slowed down at all!
Since my last entry some very exciting opportunities have come my way like getting to go see the Miss Universe
Canada national finals in Toronto! I had a such a great time getting to meet all the beautiful young women competing
for the title and it gave me some wonderful insights into the pageant world! Congratulations to all of the ladies who
won awards, placed in top 20, and each and every one who competed! I could see how passionate they were for
the role and how they enjoyed getting the opportunity to just be there! Special congratulations to Samantha Tajik,
the new Miss Universe Canada! She is absolutely beautiful inside and out and certainly deserves the title! Best
wishes in your coming year and good luck representing us at the Miss Universe pageant this year in Vietnam!
I've also spent some time attending events here in Grand Falls-Windsor, like Dawson's Walk for Miracles. I had a
great afternoon getting to meet one of the bravest little boys! Dawson was in a bicycle accident that caused him to
spend a long time in the Janeway, but his determination got him through it! He was named this years Miracle child
and, with the help of his family, organized the walk for miracles to raise money for the Janeway. I was so honored to
be part of this because Dawson's brave and determined spirit was so beautiful and inspiring. It meant so so much to
see this little boy, who has been through so much, giving himself back over to help others! Congratulations on the
success of the event, Dawson! You are truly a hero and a miracle, and defiantly so in my eyes! :)
It was a busy time here last month in my school and community as we hosted our Miss Grand Falls-Windsor
pageant! As the former Miss Grand Falls-Windsor / Miss Exploits Valley High 2007 it was my job to hand over the
title and crown to the new Miss GF-W/EVH! I was very happy to hand it over to one of my good friends Mandi
Gale. All of the girls who competed blew me away with their stage presence and public speaking! For many of them
it was their first time in such a competition and they handled themselves unbelievably well! I'd like to congratulate
every one of you for the work you put into your speeches and interviews, and the great job you did with the evening
and business wear! In particular, congratulations to Vanessa Carroll and Arielle Noseworthy, who were named 2nd
runner up and 1st up respectively (Arielle was also awarded the spirit award), and of course, Mandi Gale, the new
Miss GF-W/EVH! She will go on to represent our community on the provincial level and I know she'll do a great
job!
The other event that I attended here in my hometown was the Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase. It was a chance
for new brides to be to look at wedding dresses, tuxedos, etc. I got to watch some guys from my school model the
tuxes and it was defiantly entertaining seeing them strut down the runway! The pictures are posted here on the site,
but their names are not included. The models were; Timothy Hynes, Greg Ballard, Peter Corbin, Adam Dyke, and
Casey Henessey and I have to say good job at your first try modelling!
Now that summer is fast approaching, my schedule is fast filling up! Some events I'm looking forward to in the next
little while include the Tim Horton's camp day here in Grand Falls-Windsor on June 4th, the St Luke's Fashion show
next week in St. Johns, and the Canadian Hard of Hearing Events happening here in Central starting tomorrow! I'd
love to see you out giving support at some of these events, like camp day! It's great to get together as a community
to support such good causes.
Over the next few months as I get to travel the province for all the summer festivals and events I'll be meeting a lot of
you, and I'm really looking forward to that! I know it will be an exciting summer and I can't wait to get started with
it!
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
April 15, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Wow, it isn't until I sit down to write my journal entry and look back upon my time as Miss Teen Newfoundland and
Labrador so far that I realize it's already been 2 months! 2 very busy and very enriching months!
Already I have gotten to do some travelling to brand new places and that has been very enjoyable! My trip to
Labrador City during their Winter Odyssey and Ski Loppet was so much fun and I was once again fortunate enough
to meet some wonderful people. I learned a little about cross country skiing, though I wasn't brave enough to try the
10, 27 or 50 kilometer trip that all the 'pros' took part in! I did work up the nerve to take part in the dog sled rides,
and had such a great time doing that! Thank you to everyone in Labrador who made my trip so enjoyable and
comfortable! Just to name a new that would include; Air Labrador, Beatrice and Rhonda, the members of the Ski
Clubs, and my family in Labrador. I will definitely make a trip back to Labrador sometime! (Hopefully soon!)
I would really like to bring to everyone's attention a wonderful young man who has taken on an incredible task to
raise awareness for autism. I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Howard this weekend past at an event hosted by
the Central Autism society in his honor. He is so dedicated to his cause that he is now running across Canada to
raise funds and awareness to help those families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Campaign is called
Run the Dream and targets one of the least understood problems facing our society. Little is done to raise
awareness or research funds for autism and I would like to wish Jonathan all the best as he continues this very brave
and inspiring act of kindness. If you're interested in finding out more about Run the Dream please take the time and
visit their site (www.runthedream.ca).
Right now am getting ready for this summer . . . planning my schedule, figuring out where to visit and what events
to attend . . . and it's so exciting for me! I have such a wonderful chance to visit new places and I get the feeling
that this summer will be one that I won't soon forget!
I'm looking forward to all the new experiences that are coming up in the next 10 months. I know they'll be just as
amazing as these last 2 months have been.
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador 2008
February 22, 2008
Hi Everyone!
It's hard to believe that it's been only a week since the pageant! I'm missing it so much, and I'm especially missing all
the wonderful people I had the opportunity to meet. I'd like to start off by saying thank-you to everyone who was
involved in last weekend, and who made things run as smoothly as they did! You all made the experience totally
unbelievable and unforgettable for me!
So many people have been asking me things like "What was your favorite part about the weekend?" and while I've
been thinking of answers for that, it's a very hard question! Through this pageant I've had chances to learn and do so
many new things that it would be pretty well impossible to pick which was the most enriching and enjoyable.
However, if I did have to pick, I would say the people. Our memories would not be to same if it weren't for the
people we experienced them with! In the short time I've been back, I've already spent lots of time talking to, meeting
up with, and recounting memories with the other girls from the pageant. It's amazing how you can make best friends
in the span of 3 days!
The amount of support I've received since returning home has been absolutely unreal! My whole school showed up
to an assembly Wednesday afternoon to welcome me home and congratulate me! I'd like to thank Ms Dorothy
Pretty and Ledon Byrne for the effort they put into planning that event. It's so surreal to walk into my school and see
a "Exploits Valley High Home Of Miss Teen NL 2008 - Laura Woodworth" banner hanging in the front lobby! I
would love to take the time to list out the names of all the people in my school who have been so supportive, but I'm
confident that they know who they are and how much I appreciate them! :)
Among these people there are a few who I would like to take the time to thank more personally. Those are my best
friends and my family. From the beginning of this adventure months ago, they have all been right there behind me.
When things got overwhelming and tough for me I never doubted that I could rely on them. Knowing that I have
people like this surrounding me makes the good moments even more exciting and the hard moments easier to deal
with. We are who we are because of the people who have influenced us and these wonderful people have helped
make me who I am today! I cannot thank them enough or ever let them know how much they are appreciated! Each
of them knows who they are individually, and I'd just like to take the opportunity to send them all my love and
deepest gratitude.
Things have started getting busy already. In admist all the excitement of getting home, there have been
responsibilities for me to attend to as well. Tuesday was my photo school with Sara Rostotski, and that was so
amazing! The wonderful people at the Model Shop and the Hair Force did a great job of getting me ready for the
shoot by doing my hair, makeup, and providing some beautiful dresses, and Sara took some incredible portraits!
She is without a doubt one of the most talented people I've had the pleasure of meeting and it was such an honor to
spend some time with her and have her take my pictures! I'd like to say thank you to all these people for making my
first event as miss teen unforgettable, and for allowing me to feel like a princess on that special day! :)
I have also attended events here in my home town as well! Myself and Ledon Byrne spent some time at the curling
club helping the senior teams celebrate the opening of their tournament! I really enjoyed learning a little bit about
curling because I didn't know a thing about it before! It's great that these opportunities to learn new things present
themselves and I'm looking forward to that throughout the next year.
Lastly, but definitely not least, I want to thank all the people who showed up at the pageant, or else let their support
be known in some way. Being up on stage can be nerve-wrecking, but when you can feel the love from your
support system it really makes it easier to shine and be yourself. I'm sure I speak for every contestant in the pageant
when I say that without the people who stood behind us we could not accomplish all of the things that we have. I'm
very excited to be representing such amazing people during the next year! I hope I get to meet as many of you as
possible and I can only imagine what a wonderful time I'm going to have as your new Miss Teen Newfoundland and
Labrador 2008.
Thank you all so much!
Love,
Laura Woodworth
Miss Teen Newfoundland & Labrador
