On Sunday (March 12), Airdrie's Mackenzie Murphy was crowned Miss Teenage Western Alberta 2017.

The seventeen year old was crowned Miss Teenage Airdrie in 2015, but did not win Miss Teenage Alberta. She fell in love with pageants, and wanted to take another shot at winning Miss Teenage Canada.

That competition will happen in Toronto in August. Until then, Murphy will be working hard in her role, fundraising for Free the Children and trying to get sponsorships. Murphy is excited to give back to her community through her role, and wants to break the stereotype that pageant girls just walk around in crowns and gowns.

"It's not all superficial. We do go in-depth and create purpose within our reign and fundraise and have a platform. My platform is anti-bullying and the effects bullying can have on one's mental health."

Anti-bullying is dear to Murphy's heart, and she is driven to give back by her own gratitude for her community.

"Airdrie has given so much to me when I needed help. When I was going through bullying and when I struggled with mental illness and what not, I had some many support teams, and you know, not only support teams but our council helped me so much."

As for the honour of being named Miss Teenage Western Alberta, Murphy is ecstatic.

"I am absolutely astounded. You know, I worked really hard prepping for this."

 

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