LOCAL Fort Hare student, Kaitlin Schmidt was recently selected as a brand ambassador for the Miss Eagle South Africa competition, earning her a spot in the second round of the pageant.
Founded by Eagle Media, Miss Eagle South Africa is the biggest “Beauty with Brains and Purpose” contest in the history of the country, aiming to crown an inspiring young woman as Miss Eagle South Africa for the first time this year.
This new beauty contest aims to empower young women all over South Africa by celebrating inner beauty and motivation to make a difference in their community.
“I first learned about the contest through Facebook and it immediately appealed to me. I love how the focus is not entirely on what you look like, but rather on your ambition and drive to make a positive impact on people and communities,” said Schmidt.
“My mom was a modelling teacher and she’s the one who inspired me to do this. She’s always been my inspiration because no matter what life throws at her, she always keeps going.”
Through community work, promoting charity organisations and the Miss Eagle South Africa contest, Schmidt hopes to earn enough points to make it to the semi-finals and, eventually the finals, which will take place in Johannesburg on December 15.
“I’ve always loved being involved in charity work, especially when it means that I can make a difference in the lives of children,” the 19-year-old said.
Currently studying towards a BCom Accounting degree, Schmidt also spends her time tutoring children, au pairing and teaching English online.
“I love working with children, because it has and continues to teach me so much. I really enjoy forming a one-on-one bond with them and motivating them to be their best selves,” said Schmidt.
The former Beaconhurst pupil spent the better part of the last two weeks creating awareness for Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC) by dressing up in the CHOC cow “onesie” and promoting International Childhood Cancer day as well as spending time with the children at the CHOC ward.
“I’m really excited about joining CHOC. I really hope to become more involved”, Schmidt said.
The passionate youngster also regularly visits the Guardians of Hope Place of Safety, where she helps out to care and watch over the babies in their care.
“I wish I could feed all the kids going hungry in our country. Everybody talks about improving education, but its pointless when many children in our country still don’t have access to the most basic and essential human right. You can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said Schmidt.
If anyone would like to aid Kaitlin in her Miss Eagle South Africa journey, please vote for her by SMSing the name Kaitlin to 35334.
For more information on the contest, please visit their website at www.misseaglesa.com.
