Amneet Basra loves learning about the history of Canada, especially about her home town, Pitt Meadows.
And when she gives her speech on Saturday after being crowned Miss Pitt Meadows, it will be the city’s history that she will be highlighting in honour of the Centennial.
The Grade 6 student from Pitt Meadows elementary was awarded the title of Miss Pitt Meadows after applying for it on her own.
The Miss Pitt Meadows tradition began in 1937, when the event was a May Day celebration and a May queen was picked.
But most residents where farmers and decided that June would better suit their schedules, so the event became Pitt Meadows Day to be held on the first Saturday in June.
So, the first Miss Pitt Meadows was crowned in 1938, from a group of Grade 6 students.
Miss Pitt Meadows and the other members of the Royal Party are selected from qualifying students who live within the City of Pitt Meadows. Members of the Royal Party range from first graders to sixth graders, all chosen by pulling their names out of a hat.
At first, Amneet didn’t believe her father, Sarbjeet, when he addressed her as Miss Pitt Meadows after receiving a phone call that she had been selected.
It took her five minutes to realize he was telling the truth.
“My friend was over and we did a happy dance,” gushed Amneet.
She loves art, especially sketching with pencil crayons. She is also athletic, preferring ballet and soccer.
Any stress Amneet had about accepting the crown was put at ease after meeting outgoing Miss Pitt Meadows, Jolene Banns, who told he not to put too much stress on herself.
“She told me that it wasn’t as stressing as I might think it is because I thought it would be pretty hard.”
Amneet is confident in her public speaking abilities. Last year, she was a finalist in the school district’s public speaking competition, with a speech on Justin Bieber.
She has already chosen her dress for Miss Pitt Meadows. It’s white with thick straps, a circular neckline, with three white roses along the front waistline.
As Miss Pitt Meadows, Amneet is most excited about being able to participate in all the community events this year.
“I will be able to participate in the parade and on Canada Day at the fireworks show. I will be able to do a speech there and on Remembrance Day I will get to put a wreath down on the big monument in Spirit Square,” she said.