Fort Langley’s Shalom Reimer was named Miss Teen BC at the annual pageant in her very own neighbourhood.

The pageant for Miss BC, Mrs. BC and Miss Teen BC was July 3 to 5 at the Chief Sepass Theatre in Fort Langley.

This year’s Langley contestants were Emily Mierzejewski, Reimer, Mercedes Takacs, and Alexandryia LaRose.

The pageant charity is the Cops for Cancer of the Canadian Cancer Society. Since 2007, the Miss BC Pageant has raised more than $225,000.

This pageant is different from others in that all previous rules that may have discriminated against women in pageants have been lifted. There is not a maximum age limit, nor are there height and weight requirements.

For Reimer, the pageant is a way to have a voice.

“I believe that each individual is beautiful in their own way with the unique gifts and talents that they possess,” she said in her pageant profile. “I have always sought to inspire and encourage creativity within myself, and others. This is exemplified in my song writing, school leadership, acting, film production, and dancing.”

Heart and Soul event had contestant share a bit about themselves. It is judged by the contestants, who vote on the most inspiring or touching message. Winner Becca Toews of Abbotsford ran for Mrs. BC.

The winners were:

Miss BC Shakti Shunmugam, Vancouver

Mrs. BC Shalini Gambhir, Vancouver

Miss Teen BC Shalom Reimer, Fort Langley

Mrs. Charity BC Zana Gray, Burnaby

Heart and Soul: Becca Toews, Abbotsford

People’s Choice: Ramneet Kang from Surrey

Miss Congeniality: Heather Davies, Delta

Regional winners: Miss Fraser Valley Kirti Singh, Surrey; Miss Greater Vancouver Chiantelle Rey, Vancouver; Miss Lower Mainland Questa Lee from Richmond; Miss Teen Lower Mainland Nica Derakhshannia; Miss Vancouver Island Katelynne Herchak, Victoria; Miss Northern BC Navneet Nanan, Prince Rupert; Miss BC Interior Emily Henderson, Summerland

Langley Advance