An Armagh schoolgirl has the world quite literally at her feet as she is just weeks away from competing for the coveted title of ‘Miss Teen Great Britain 2026’.
Sixteen-year-old Eva Elizabeth Downie is Blackpool-bound next month and will be hoping to tower above the competition to take the crown which really is every young girl’s dream.
The St Catherine’s College student has been busy preparing for the competition, which is due to take place over the second weekend in October, having earlier been selected as ‘Miss Teen Armagh’.
In all, 53 girls from across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales have set their eyes on the prize which, as well as £1,000 in cash for the winner, could open up opportunities and promises a whirlwind year of special appearances, charity work and the potential for modelling too.
Eva, naturally, is excited as she counts down the finals days to the big event.
Mum Stephanie, stepdad Simon, as well as her three stepsisters and extended family, are so proud and are rallying behind her in every possible way.
“Since taking on her title of Miss Teen Armagh, Eva has been using her platform to raise awareness of dyslexia through her social media,” explained Stephanie.
“She has also been putting her reign into action locally by making pencil cases to be handed out through the Armagh second-hand school uniform shop, helping support local children and families.
“Eva is keen to get involved wherever she can and is always happy to lend a hand or participate in local initiatives when opportunities arise.
“Alongside her community work, she has been busy preparing for the competition — practising her walk, working on her up-styling skills and getting her outfits ready for Blackpool.
“And she has also just returned to St Catherine’s College for Year 12, so it’s certainly a busy time for her!”
Among her preparations and projects ahead of competing, Eva has completed a ‘99,000 Steps Challenge’ for a local children’s cancer charity.
And she is also hoping to use the experience to raise awareness of learning disabilities, something very close to her own heart.
“During the competition, everyone picks a certain category to cover and I picked dyslexia because I have dyslexia myself so I know a lot about it,” Eva told Armagh I. “On my Instagram, I’ve been posting little facts about dyslexia and how it affects people and how other people can help them.
“I’ve also been learning American Sign Language on top of that, so it basically covers the whole learning disability category.
“I also thought it would be fitting if I made pencil cases for people who maybe couldn’t afford to go out and get that stuff. I spent my own money and some donations from family and friends and I made up around 20 pencil cases and I went and gave them to a local charity in Armagh. They basically do second hand school uniforms and everything for people to buy and I went and handed them in there.”
The kind-hearted schoolgirl has been putting her talents to good use and felt compelled to put herself forward for the competition after meeting a like-minded and similarly-driven teen.
“I was doing this fashion show and I met Miss Northern Ireland and she really inspired me to try pageants so I applied for it,” explained Eva. “You had to send a picture and all and then you get picked out from all of the different people who signed up for it.
“When I met Miss Northern Ireland, she showed me how much of a difference you can make and I wanted to try it out to see if I got in, if I could do anything to help people with learning disabilities.”
When she arrives in Blackpool, Eva will have time to prepare and practice and meet the other contestants.
She will be trying to hold the nerves at bay ahead of the actual main event but is very much focussed on what must be done.
“Whenever I’m doing it, I’ll be asked a bunch of questions, like how I would be a good influence in younger people and how can I make a difference in the world,” said Eva.
“The first thing that happens is an interview where all the girls will get interviewed and then we would need to learn and perform a dance. They will be asked a few questions on stage, I believe, and then we have a fun fashion event, where you can dress up in different styles and everything. Then you will have your final outfit where you go out and do a catwalk.”
The entire event will give Eva the opportunity to make great memories and friends, while growing as a person.
A truly remarkable young lady, she has shown a fantastic desire to help others and is a shining example to her peers and her family who are hoping that Miss Teen Armagh can now go on to be crowned Miss Teen Great Britain.
For Eva, winning such an accolade would mean the world to her and she is really looking forward to taking part in the final.
“It would mean a lot, so I could use my title to help more people who struggle with learning disabilities,” she said. “The person who is Miss Teen Great Britain right now has done fundraisers and everything and I actually think I could do that as well if I get chosen.”
Mum Stephanie is overwhelmed by all that Eva has achieved in her 16 years and how she constantly inspires all around her through her selflessness, kindness and ambition.
“We are extremely proud of her achievement and would love to help raise awareness and support from the local community as she prepares for the finals,” she said.
“Miss Teen Great Britain promotes confidence, charity work and positive role models for young people, and this is a fantastic opportunity for her to represent Armagh on a national stage.”
You can visit Eva’s Miss Teen Great Britain page here.
Most read today
PUBLIC NOTICE
