County woman named Miss Nova Scotia International

HALIFAX - A Pictou County native will represent the province this year as Miss Nova Scotia International.
Ashley Lochead earned the title following a week of judging and competition at the Miss Nova Scotia International event in Halifax. Its pageant was held Saturday at the Bela Rose Arts Centre.
Lochead, 20, is originally from Sylvester and is now studying business administration at St. Francis Xavier University.
She is a former queen of the Pictou North Colchester Exhibition (2006). Despite not knowing what entry into this event would mean, Lochead said she's glad she applied.
"It was a great experience," she said. "It's an honour for me to represent Nova Scotia and I hope to represent Miss Nova Scotia and the Miss Nova Scotia International organization in a very positive light."
Lochead describes it as one of the best weeks of her life and has nothing but praise for the others who tried for the crown.
"I was shocked to win. You know what you yourself have to offer, but to see how talented everyone else was - everyone there deserved to walk away with the title," she said.
This event isn't a beauty pageant. It's designed as a scholarship program and delegates (not contestants) are judged on personality, intellect, public speaking and - more broadly - their ability to be a people person.
Lochead will receive a $1,000 scholarship upon completing her year-long reign as Miss Nova Scotia International.
In the meantime, she says she's looking forward to representing province. The job frequently requires public appearances and includes assistance to charities and other organizations.
A few organizations have already contacted her, and Lochead says that will likely be the most rewarding aspect for her.
"That's what I'm most excited for," she said.
She now has the opportunity to represent Nova Scotia at the Miss Canada International next August. But before she does, Lochead has a charitable task of her own to perform.
To attend the national competition, she must fundraise and gather 2,000 teddy bears - not for herself, of course, but for Teddy Bears of Hope. The Ontario-based charity is dedicated to delivering stuffed bears to underdeveloped countries.
Pictou County was also represented in the Miss Teen International event as well. Amanda Brown placed second runner-up in that competition.