Ashfield 15-year-old is crowned '˜Outstanding Teen'

Lucy Jane Edwards, from Kirkby, wowed judges at the ‘Outstanding Teen’ pageant, organised by the directors of Miss Mansfield, in the final at the John Fretwell Centre.

She was awarded for her confident public speaking, “stunning” ballet routine and her commitment to charities she was asked to write about.

The Kirkby College student said it was “overwhelming” to win over eight other finalists.

Lucy said: “I still don’t think it has sunk in, but I am very excited to be embarking on this fantastic opportunity.

“It was a complete surprise to be crowned the winner and I don’t know why I was chosen.

“All the girls were lovely and we put a lot of effort into the weeks leading up to the final.

“It was a great atmosphere - not competitive at all.

“I just decided to enjoy the night and give it my best shot.”

There were several stages to the contest - including auditions, interviews, presentations and four weeks of rehearsals - as well as the rounds in the final on Saturday, April 30.

She was crowned on the night by Outstanding Teen 2015, Ellie Rose Walker.

Lucy described it as a “very busy time” and that it is much more than a beauty pageant.

She was the winner of the talent round, where she performed the Firebrid ballet dance, and was also recognised for her confident public speaking in a speech and live interview on the stage.

“I was most nervous during the public speaking round,” she said. “I have danced on stage lots of times but never addressed an audience - it was most daunting.”

Lucy was also the winner of the ‘More than Beauty’ round, where she wrote pieces for the pageants chosen charity, Princess Evie’s Trust and her own chosen charity, Framework.

She chose to support the homeless charity after she saw how many people were using the soup kitchen in Mansfield.

“I was shocked at how many homeless and vulnerable people were there.”

She said researching the charity taught her a lot and has made her want to fundraise for them this year.

The youngster is currently studying for her GCSEs in year 11 and plans to stay on at sixth form to study English, PE and Performing Arts at A-Level.

Lucy said her win was down to the support from her mum, dad, brother, grandparents, family and friends.

She also thanked Caroline Lane and Mrs Flowers for teaching her how to dance at Christine March School of Dance, where she has been learning since she was four.

Proud mum Lindsey Edwards said her and dad Richard are “still in shock”.

She said: “She has always been outstanding in our eyes - beautiful inside and out.”

This is the second year the ‘Outstanding Teen’ pageant has run.

The finalists, aged between 13 and 16, have to pass several rounds in front of the judges.

Lily Hewitt, aged 13, from Mansfield, was awarded second place in the 2016 contest.

Kirkby ‘s Chloe Rose Adkin, aged 15, came in third place.

Other runners-up in the final were Layla Allsop, Georgia Ellis, Morgan Hawley Townsend, Tarina Smith, Megann Payne and Hannah Clifford.

Trish Mapletoft, director of Miss Mansfield and Sherwood Forest, said the event was “fabulous”.

The competition also helped to raise £200 for youth charity Princess Evie’s Trust.

Trish said: “I just want to thank everybody who helped make the night a great success.”