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March 22, 2006
York U beauty wins Miss Universe Canada
By The Canadian Press
Alice Panikian of Toronto was selected Miss Universe Canada 2006,
defeating 48 other hopefuls Tuesday night, March 22, at the
Montreal casino. (Pierre Vidricaire/Sun Media)
MONTREAL (CP) — Alice Panikian of Toronto was selected Miss Universe
Canada 2006, defeating 48 other hopefuls Tuesday night at the Montreal
casino.
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.
More: See photos from pageant
“It’s surreal. I think I’m dreaming,” Panikian said, checking her
pulse.
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
five.
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 preventable. With education we can save a lot of
lives,” she said.