An Armagh schoolgirl is preparing for a national pageant final while using her platform to highlight dyslexia and support children and families in her local community.
Sixteen-year-old Eva Elizabeth Downie, a student at St Catherine’s College, was selected as Miss Teen Armagh and is due to travel to Blackpool next month for the Miss Teen Great Britain 2026 competition. The final is scheduled for the second weekend in October, although the supplied information does not give the precise dates.
Eva will be among 53 contestants from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales competing for the title. The winner is due to receive £1,000, with the crown also offering the possibility of special appearances, charity work and modelling opportunities during what the competition describes as a potentially busy year.
Her family is supporting her preparations, including her mother Stephanie, stepfather Simon, three stepsisters and extended family. Eva has returned to St Catherine’s College for Year 12 while balancing schoolwork, pageant preparations and community projects.
Using the title to talk about dyslexia
Dyslexia is at the centre of Eva’s competition platform because she has dyslexia herself. She has been using social media to share facts about the condition, explain how it can affect people and discuss ways others can offer support.
She has also been learning American Sign Language as part of her wider interest in learning disabilities. Eva said the subject was particularly important to her because of her own experience and because she wanted the competition to provide an opportunity to help others understand the issues involved.
Her awareness work has included a practical project for families in Armagh. Using her own money, along with donations from family and friends, she made around 20 pencil cases. She then donated them to a local charity that operates a second-hand school uniform shop and provides other items for families to buy.
The project was intended to help children and families who might not be able to afford school supplies. Eva said she wanted to contribute in a practical way, rather than only raising awareness online.
“Since taking on her title of Miss Teen Armagh, Eva has been using her platform to raise awareness of dyslexia through her social media,” explained Stephanie.
Eva has also completed a ‘99,000 Steps Challenge’ for a local children’s cancer charity. The source does not name either that charity or the local second-hand uniform organisation.
Stephanie said Eva was keen to take part in local initiatives whenever opportunities arose and was willing to help wherever she could. Her community work has therefore formed an important part of her preparation for the pageant, alongside the more traditional elements of competing.
Preparing for the Blackpool programme
In the weeks before the final, Eva has been practising her walk, working on her up-styling skills and organising the outfits she will take to Blackpool. She is also preparing herself for the nerves that come with appearing in a national competition.
Once the contestants arrive, they will have time to prepare, practise and meet one another before the main event. Eva expects the programme to begin with an interview involving all of the competitors. They will then learn and perform a dance, answer questions on stage, take part in a fun fashion event featuring different styles and complete a final catwalk in their chosen outfit.
She expects questions to focus on how she could influence younger people and make a difference in the world. The range of activities means the competition will test more than presentation skills, with contestants also expected to discuss their values and the causes they support.
Inspired to enter after meeting Miss Northern Ireland
Eva’s route into pageants began at a fashion show, where she met Miss Northern Ireland. The meeting encouraged her to consider entering a competition after Eva saw how a title could be used to make a difference for other people.
She subsequently applied by submitting a photograph and was selected from the people who entered. Eva said the experience of meeting Miss Northern Ireland helped persuade her that she could use a pageant platform to support people with learning disabilities.
For Eva, the Blackpool final represents an opportunity to make memories, meet new friends and grow in confidence. Winning would also give her a larger platform for the cause she has chosen.
“It would mean a lot, so I could use my title to help more people who struggle with learning disabilities,” she said.
Eva has pointed to the current Miss Teen Great Britain title-holder’s fundraising work as an example of what she could do if crowned. She hopes to organise fundraising activities and continue supporting people with learning disabilities through the title.
Stephanie said the family was extremely proud of what Eva had achieved and wanted to help raise awareness and support from the local community as she prepared for the final. She said the competition promoted confidence, charity work and positive role models for young people, giving Eva the chance to represent Armagh on a national stage.
Eva’s immediate focus is now the October final in Blackpool. Whether or not she wins the 2026 title, her campaign has already combined personal experience of dyslexia with practical support for local families and charity work.