Upper Island Cove girl crowned Miss Teen Trinity-Conception
By Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Olivia Bradbury
It was the first time sixteen-year-old Donna Mercer of Upper Island Cove decided to enter the annual Miss Teen Trinity-Conception Pageant, but by the end, she was standing centerstage wearing the crown.
The Grade 11 student describes herself as very family oriented. She runs her own nail business, Donna’s Polish Palace. After graduation, she plans to study to become a social worker.
The 2026 Miss Teen Trinity-Conception queen enjoyed the pageant experience.
“It’s like a sisterhood, really,” Mercer said. “It’s a group of teens and then you have the chaperones, which are a group of women, and they’re all amazing. I’ve never been surrounded by such uplifting and empowering people.”
Contestants underwent an orientation session, performance practice, a fitness test, seminars, and public speaking rehearsals. Contestants chose their own subjects for the public speaking portion, and Mercer selected healthcare.
But it was not all work and no play for the contestants. They also got to enjoy fun activities, including an outing to Dairy Queen and a murder mystery dinner party.
At the pageant gala, the contestants performed a dance together, shared a bit about themselves, and answered questions.
Mercer said she did not expect to win since it was her first year participating.
“And it didn’t really matter to me if I won or not,” she said. “I just wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try something new, so I did. But being Miss Teen means a lot because I get to represent not only little girls, but teenagers and even women across the Trinity-Conception area, and I get to be a role model for them and empower them and show them that you can do stuff that is hard.”
In addition to claiming the title, Mercer also won the STAND for Hannah Award, sponsored by an organization created in memory of 18-year-old Hannah Thorne of New Harbour, who was killed by street racers in 2016. The organization is dedicated to preventing reckless driving and the harm associated with it and gives an award to the Miss Teen Trinity-Conception contestant they feel most embodies Thorne’s values.
Mercer said the contestants attended a seminar by STAND for Hannah, and that Thorne’s mother observed the girls to see which of them best represented her daughter.
“That award is better than any award I could ever have because I get to represent and embody Hannah,” said Mercer. “That’s basically what it is. The award is awarded to someone who embodies Hannah and keeps her memory alive.”
Next year, it will be Mercer’s job to crown her successor at the 2027 Miss Teen Trinity-Conception Pageant. However, she thinks she will continue with pageants herself, as well.
“I mightn’t continue with youth pageants, per se, but I might definitely go ahead and compete for Miss Newfoundland,” said Mercer, who encouraged girls of eligible age to participate in the Junior Miss NL and Miss Teen Trinity-Conception Pageants.
“It was a really great opportunity to not only meet new friends and get yourself out there, but you make friends for life. It’s a really nice opportunity and a really great program,” said Mercer.