Chelsey Hennig is representing Parry Sound later this month at the Miss Northern Ontario (MNO) Regional Canada pageant.
The blond, blue-eyed, self-proclaimed tomboy hopes to take the crown at the May 11 and 12 competition in Sudbury.
Although she's never modeled before, 20-year-old Hennig said she's wanted to try her hand at the competition since high school, when she had considered applying for the competition.
"I wanted to back in high school and then I got scared and I backed out," she said with a laugh. "Then I was contacted by (Cheryl Kozera MNO president)...I thought it seems like a really good experience and a good idea."
Not like a typical pageant, Hennig said contestants are judged on how they carry themselves, as well as their inner beauty, their strengths and how involved they are in their community.
"There are a wide range of girls...they don't want to make anyone feel like they have to look a certain way," she said "There are a few components I have to complete (prior to the event). There is a Beauty with a Purpose project, so I put together a list of all my accomplishments and put them in a scrapbook or whatever I want. I'm actually doing mine on a (tire) rim of a vehicle. I'm plastering it all on the rim. I'm into automotive stuff, so I figured I'd do something different. It's going to be really heavy, so I'm scared they're not going to like it."
Hennig also has to prepare a speech. As of yet, she isn't sure what she will talk about, but has a feeling she might describe what it's been like to be taunted for being a tomboy.
"Me and my best friend are into snowmobiles and ATVs and trucks and guy-things pretty much. We get (teased) for it a lot. Maybe I could talk about that," she said. "I'm excited and nervous and worried all at the same time. I'm excited, because it's going to be fun. I'm nervous, because I'm going to be on stage and I'm not really used to that. And I'm worried because I'm worried I'm not going to mend well with the girls - that they won't like me."
Hennig encourages everyone in the area to vote for her as many times as they want on the MNO website for the People's Choice Award. The winner is fast-tracked into the top 15 in the competition.