Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
Miss Napanee will be in the running when the next Miss World Canada is selected this August.
Meighen Hodgen didn’t win the Miss Ontario World pageant last weekend in Toronto, but she scored in the top 15 of 33 participants to earn a crown and a chance to advance in the national beauty pageant.
Going into the crowning ceremonies, Hodgen said she wasn’t sure what to expect but she was satisfied with her experience in her first pageant.
“During the course of the weekend, you get no feedback on your score, so it’s just about going with the flow and hoping for the best,” she said.
Surrounded by a field of “amazing, talented young women,” Hodgen said she thought about the value of the experience she got and rationalized she’d be OK if she didn’t get the call. Then, it came.
“When my number was called to move forward to Miss World Canada, I was very shocked and honoured,” she said. “You have to have a certain score to be eligible — knowing that my number was called means that I had a high enough score to be moving forward and that says a lot.”
Hodgen said she found it challenging learning the poses for prejudging and competition shows within 24 hours.
The dance choreography was also an eye-opener. As a longtime figure skater, Hodgen thought that would be easy, however she said dancing in five-inch high heels was a different story.
The interview went very well, however, as Hodgen felt at ease with the judges.
“They asked me about my business in Napanee and why I wanted to start a business and what my motives are, as well as about my volunteer trip to Ecuador,” she said. “Talking about my life experiences is very easy and natural for me, so I felt the interview went very well.”
After completing the interview, swimsuit and evening gown competitions and doing her best to show poise, confidence, and elegance throughout the weekend, Hodgen said she was confident about the way she showed.
“I felt confident knowing that I prepared myself in every way possible and it was up to God and the judges from then on,” she said.
Speaking with the Beaver, Hodgen said her new status as a beauty queen hasn’t really set in yet but by the time her new sash with the title Miss Napanee comes in the mail, she will have had time to ponder the past weekend’s events.
Looking ahead, the Miss World Canada pageant will be in Toronto from Aug. 12-18. Hodgen said she’s very excited to be representing her community but before that, she has some work she’d like to do.
“I would like to do some public speaking at different events for charities in the area, along with going to the high school and public schools being an inspiration to others.”
Officially, Hodgen will be able to use her Miss Napanee title for the next year and she plans to try to make a difference in as many ways as she can.
She pointed out the Miss World organization strongly believes in community and charitable involvement through its Beauty with a Purpose ethos. On the pageant’s web site, it states “We believe that every child should be empowered to be the best they can be.” Provincially, Miss Ontario World has teamed with Cardiac Kids to support the Sick Kids Hospital Foundation. Nationally, the pageant helps the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.
Hodgen said she is planning to support local charities as well over the coming months.
Come August, Hodgen said she believes she’ll be ready to do even better because she’s now had some experience on the beauty pageant stage to mix with her past stage time in fitness competitions.
“I know what to expect now at these pageants so I can go in with more confidence and be that much better at the national stage,” Hodgen concluded.
Miss World Canada advances each year to compete in the Miss World pageant alongside contestants from 146 other countries. It is the oldest and largest such pageant in the world.
Those looking to follow Hodgen on her journey can stay informed via social media. She plans to set up a Facebook page and an Instagram account using the hashtag #missnapanee.
Even prior to her weekend at Miss Ontario World, Hodgen said she felt a lot of support from people at work at the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital, from members at the gym she operates, and from the local business community and general public.
“I appreciate all of the support I have so far from everyone,” she said.
Continuing to compete in pageants can be a costly venture, so Hodgen plans to continue seeking sponsorship and fundriasing opportunities. Those interested in offering a donation or an in-kind service can contact her at 613-929-5132.