Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
Meighen Hodgen will be travelling to Toronto this weekend as one of 56 women taking the runway to compete for the title of Miss World Canada 2018.
During her first pageant in January, Hodgen placed within the top 15 competitors in Ontario to advance to this weekend’s competition and she also earned a crown as Miss Greater Napanee. Over the past six months, she’s strived to embrace her role as a representative of her hometown.
“I love representing my community and, to me, it is all about giving back, especially to the children in our community,” she said. “I am a strong advocate for physical activity and sport and have made guest appearances at local elementary schools and the Girl Guides talking about kindness to others and introducing kids to new sports. My vision for the town is to help get kids involved in sport and I am supporting of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program to assists kids in financial need get the funding for participation.”
The owner of a gym facility in the community and a staffer at Lennox and Addington County General Hospital, Hodgen said she has enjoyed those appearances locally and her participation during Canada Day festivities really showed her the community support she has as she chases her dream.
Hodgen said she’s excited to be competing against other talented young women from across the country and she’s comforted knowing the judging will be similar to the provincial competition.
“The final score is combined from different components including a personal interview, my platform, evening gown, social media, and bikini and fitness competition,” she said. “My goal is to come home with a crown and show the country that Napanee is greater for many reasons.”
Hodgen said she’s been fortunate to have the support of local businesses like Touch of Wellness, Emma’s Bridal Boutique, Becky Hinch Photography, and April’s Image and October’s Clothing to help her reach the national level in competition. She is also still accepting sponsorship at 613-929-5132. Those looking to follow her progress through the competition can search her Facebook page “Miss Greater Napanee Meighen Hodgen.”