Inspired by one of her teachers and the desire to be a positive role model, 16-year-old Selina Yue has set her sights on the prestigious and life-changing Miss World Canada title.

The young Richmondite is one of 16 finalists in the Miss World Canada pageant, which will culminate next spring with a glittering gala event in Yue’s home town at the River Rock Casino Resort.

Yue, who has lived in Steveston since emigrating from Beijing five years ago, signed up for the event in August after taking advice from her teacher at the York House School for girls in Vancouver.

“Our school positively encourages us to grow up to be role models,” said Grade 11 student Yue.

“And one of my teachers also won her national pageant in her own country in Africa and she also encouraged me to enter.

“Most of the (finalists) are older than me and I want to show people that children are individuals, are independent and can be trusted.”

After making a written and photographic submission, Yue got the call in October that she’d made the national final.

And she makes no bones about how she rates her chances when it comes to the final itself in May.

“Representing Canada at Miss World would be incredible,” she said. “I think I have the ability to win. I’m expecting to win.”

Between now and the final, however, Yue has plenty hard work ahead of her in the shape of organizing a fundraiser for the competition’s charity of choice — Variety: Children’s Charity.

She’s hosting a “Warmth of Light Musical Banquet” at Thompson Community Centre on Dec. 21, where an art auction, musical concert and sushi dinner will take place.

Frankie Cena, Mr. World Canada 2012 winner, who represented Canada in last month’s Mr. World competition in London, is going to perform his award-winning song at the event.

Local musicians, choirs and bands are going to perform as well as Yue herself.

“The chairman and other contestants from (Miss World Canada) will be paying a visit,” said Yue.

“I’m very excited and it’s a lot of work organizing the fundraiser. But I’m getting a lot of help from family and friends.”

The fundraiser goes from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Dec. 21 and tickets, costing $18 (including dinner), are available at the door on the night or from Yue at yueselina@hotmail.com.