Miss Universe Canada 2006 an Armenian

Alice Panikian of Toronto was anointed Miss Universe Canada 2006, defeating 48 other hopefuls Tuesday night at the Casino de Montreal.

 

The 20-year-old York University student takes over the tiara from Natalie Glebova, who went on to win the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand last year.

 

“It's surreal. I think I'm dreaming,” Panikian said, checking her pulse. “No, no, I'm not.”

 

The judges rated the young women on poise, confidence, intelligence, physical fitness, and beauty as they modelled in swimsuits and evening gowns and made impromptu speeches.

 

Glebova said Panikian, who also took the Miss Photogenic prize, will give Canada a strong candidate for the Miss Universe crown for a second year in a row.

 

“She's gorgeous. Absolutely stunning,” the past queen said.

 

Three Quebecers were among the 10 finalists, but none made the Top 5.

 

This disappointed runner-up Claudia Cote, who had received the loudest applause from the audience.

 

“Quebec women are known their warmth and beauty,'' Cote lamented. “It would have been nice to see one of our girls in the final round.”

 

The title of Miss Universe Canada allows the winner to travel the world in defence of a favourite cause. For Panikian, it will be HIV and AIDS prevention in Africa.

 

“(AIDS) is very preventible. With education we can save a lot of lives,” she said.

 

Source:

CanWest New Service

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

http://www.canada.com/globaltv/ontario/story.html?id=ef9e6b29-d5ea-431c-a00a-1655f7c4a65f&k=97246

 

 

BACKGROIUND INFORMATION FROM www.beautiesofcanada.com WEBSITE

 

About Alice: Alice Panikian was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and came to Canada when she was five years old. She is in her second year at York University majoring in English and Communications. She loves to read and write and hopes to become a broadcast journalist.

 

Alice is also a model and has traveled to Paris, Milan and New York; she loves meeting new people and learning about different cultures. If Alice became Miss Universe Canada she would use it as an opportunity to speak out on issues such as HIV/AIDS, gun violence, bullying, and other problems facing our society today.

 

Interests: Alice likes to stay active and takes pleasure in yoga and volleyball. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves to laugh as well as to make others laugh. Alice also loves fashion and has a strong personal style. She spends time volunteering for different non-profit organizations.

 

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

One freezing cold night last winter my friend and I were in a playful mood and we decided to go frolic in the snow during a blizzard. We went tobogganing and made snow angels at 1 am.

 

What charity/charities have you supported with your time and/or resources over past two years?

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Epilepsy Toronto and the Yorkwoods Public Library

 

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job would be a broadcast journalist or a TV show host.

 

Name one personal accomplishment (in addition to being a Miss Universe Canada contestant) that makes you especially proud.

I recently had the opportunity to represent Canada in the Reinado del Caf? pageant in Manizales, Colombia. It was an amazing experience visiting Colombia and meeting other delegates from all over the world. I was not expecting to win the crown but I did, and I felt very honored to be awarded such a title as well as to be representing Canada. This experience made me especially proud because I was one of the only people there who could not speak Spanish, and I managed not to let language become a barrier for me.

 

What is the most important thing you want people to know about you?

I am a compassionate, loyal and honest person and I like learning and evolving. I accept people from all walks of life.

 

What is your favourite movie, song, sport, and food?

My favourite movie is The Count of Monte Cristo

My favourite song is Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

My favourite sport is volleyball

My favourite food is fettuccine alfredo

 

What would you like to accomplish if you win the Miss Universe Canada title?

I would like to bring awareness and contribute help to causes that are important to me and that are present in our country today, such as poverty and HIV/AIDS. It is important for people to be educated on the topics and to know exactly what they can do to help and prevent the problems. I also think it is important to talk to school children about issues such as self- esteem and bullying because these are problems facing the youth of Canada.

 

A motto that has served you as inspiration.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

 

Source: http://www.beautiesofcanada.com/2006/alice.htm