A 10-year-old beauty queen from Somerset West has just returned from competing internationally in the Royal International Miss pageant held at Orlando in Florida, USA, where she not only raked in accolades, but also left with an everlasting impression of unforgettable memories and special moments.
Scarlett van der Merwe, a Grade 4 student at Beaumont Primary, has modelled competitively since age three and won more than 200 beauty titles local and nationally over the past seven years.
Her mom Melani said her daughter’s dream of stepping onto the international stage became a reality when she competed at the Mini Miss RSA pageant in Johannesburg last year during October and was announced as Mini Miss Petite RSA 2022-’23.
“Winning this prestigious title opened the door for her to compete internationally in one of the biggest Junior International Pageants,” Van der Merwe said.
“The Royal International Miss pageant system is so much more than just a beauty pageant. It also promotes and acknowledges service in the community, something that is definitely important to any deserving title holder and very close to Scarlett’s heart.”
Delegates from all over the world came together at the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel in Orlando from Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 July to represent their countries proudly and compete in various sections, including modelling in evening wear, fun fashion and cultural wear, being interviewed onstage and in front of a panel, and also had to prepare various video introductions for the numerous scholarship opportunities.
Said Melani: “Over and above the amazing opportunities offered the directors went above and beyond by spoiling the girls with amazing themed parties where they could bond and make new friends, promoting a feeling of support and sisterhood. They also exchanged small gifts during the week and was blessed to receive a Rachel Allen designer dress & gift bag.”
According to Scarlett she enjoys most the dressing up and making new friends, and getting on stage.
“Yes, I get nervous sometimes and deal with this by taking a deep breath and believing in myself and remember to just be myself, have fun and enjoy doing what I do.
“My most memorable moment on this journey is difficult to choose as all of my memories are special to me. But the most amazing moment to me was stepping onto the beautiful Royal International Miss Stage for the first time as that was a dream come true.”
Scarlett added that the most difficult and challenging thing about pageants is staying true to yourself and who you are and not changing to fit in with the rest.
She said that she has learnt that friendships are the most important thing in the world as ‘we are stronger together’ and what you put in is what you get out.
Her mum added that Scarlett was the youngest of the nine South African Delegates and did exceptionally well on all fields entered.
“With the support of her modelling school, All Star Modelling Academy, based in Gordon’s Bay as well as her dress designer The Pageant box, also based in Gordon’s Bay, she was able to grace the stage confidently,” she said.
Scarlett will continue with her community outreach and will work towards returning to the international stage again.
She is involved with Helderberg Sandwiches of Hope, which makes sandwiches and hands them and treat packs out to the children and elderly in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village weekly.
Scarlett also supports the beach clean–ups, Heartland Baby Sanctuary as well as Ladles of Love and animal welfare with collections and donation.
