A former Lady of the Lake contestant hopes to represent Lake Cowichan on an international scale at this year’s Beauties of Five Continents held in Vancouver.

Shelby Scott, who was sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 210 during the 2013 Lady of the Lake competition, said it was her experiences at the local level that made her consider applying for something bigger.

“I had a lot of fun in that pageant so I wanted to do something like that again,” she said. The Beauties of Five Continents pageant was just what she was looking for.

“Also this one does open up a lot of opportunities for you and it gives you training on life skills and it can help you with your career.”

Scott is currently studying at Vancouver Island University with plans to eventually become a veterinarian. However, she is also interested in modelling and was enticed by the potential doors that could be opened for her through competing at a higher level.

“If I went to Beauties of the Five Continents, they could actually help me out with [modelling opportunities]. Give me a roster and a business card and try to get me work,” she said.

The competition is this fall, but in the meantime Scott needs to raise enough money to cover all her application fees. On Saturday, Feb. 13, she is selling hot dogs and pop outside Country Grocer to raise money. She is also seeking sponsors and will be handing out sponsorship packages to local businesses.

Scott said she is not aware of anyone else from the area who will be participating.

“I don’t know anyone else who’s competing. It’s a global pageant so it can be people from all over the world,” she said.

Lake Cowichan Gazette