Kelsey Baile

The Rising Star Theatre after school program at the GPLT was my baby. It was my sanctuary and my creative safe place for the past year. Running this program, teaching and spending time with these kids has been the greatest joy of my life. And it hurts to think about leaving them after this semester. But today, we were given the news that the board has approved Davina to continue the program and take my place as it's head coordinator, and I couldn't be happier. I didn't want ...this program to die when I left and now it will continue and I know it will be amazing because Davina has been with me since the beginning and she has been, and will continue to do great things. Thank you to the GPLT board for the continued support, thank you to the parents for trusting us with your kids and thank you to Davina for being the best assistant-to co-to friend a girl could ask for. See more

My father is a man of many, many words. And I took after him in many aspects, that being one of them. Because of that, we have never had much to say to eachother. Ive always known that my father loved me, but it wasn't until I decided to apply for the pageant that I really saw it. My dad and I left for the first interview at 4:00am on November 22nd. He drove the entire way, while I slept, curled my hair, did my makeup and prepped. When I got the email that I had been chosen ...as a finalist, my parents were the first I called. Every month I had training in Calgary, one weekend my father had driven me down, and we went to try on evening gowns. I had tried on dozens of dresses and was not having any luck. My dad is very conservative man, and I was very worried he would hate everything I tried on. To my surprise, my father sat and watched as I came out in over 20 different dresses that day. He had comments and criticisms, and we had no luck. At the end of the day, we were walking out of a store in downtown Calgary when a mint coloured dress caught my eye. We were running late, but my dad said to go try it on. I came out and stood on top of the pedestal in front of the mirror and turned around. My dad paused for a moment. I was worried he didn't like it, that now we were even later. Then my dad looked at me and said, Kelsey, you look absolutely beautiful. I wore that very dress on the Miss Universe Canada stage last week. Happy Father's Day everyone.

Just got back to the hotel from preliminaries and let me tell you, that was so much fun! I am so lucky to be surrounded by such passionate, brilliant women! A special thank you to my parents, my aunt and Candace Boechler for the flowers and always standing by my side through all my crazy adventures. At the end of the evening the hosts announced the top three People's choice winners. I. Was. One. Of. Them. I WAS ONE OF THEM!! I know in terms of the pageant it could mean every...thing (being saved into the top 20) or being the person with the second most votes could mean nothing. But I don't feel that way. As I stood there, the host called my name and I was overcome with emotions of gratitude. I received so much love and support from everyone that it made an impact on the pageant! You guys did that for me! You all made a difference. I am beyond words for how grateful I am. I feel absolute joy knowing that you all believe in me. Thank you so much for everything you all do. For voting, for the kind words, for being the kind of people you are. Thank you.

Tomorrow!!! Please keep the votes coming!