THE MISS RWANDA 2014 pre-selection has lived up to its name of effectively filtering confident contestants. While there are so many girls competing for this year’s crown, it takes a serious pre-pageant selection to sieve the best for the grand finale. Last Saturday, Rwanda Tourism University College’s auditorium was ‘lit’ up with flashing lights, as it hosted the province’s representatives in the Miss Rwanda 2014 beauty pageant and one who would take over as Miss Western Province.The event saw participants strut across the stage in sparkling and slinky evening dresses. Under the theme "My beauty, my skills, my tools for self-reliance,” nine competitors, who met all requirements such as being 1.7 metres tall and between 18-24 years of age tussled it out.The contestants were tasked by the panel of judges to make short presentations on different topics - such as youth development, economic progress, girls’ empowerment and culture preservation, among other topics.  Most of them preferred to make their presentations in English.After the first round, the contestants were narrowed down to five and the ‘grilling’ got tougher when they were asked to explain how they would use their different talents and abilities to empower the youth in the province.The panel considered beauty, elegance, expression and how knowledgeable one is while making the final decision.At a quarter to 6 in the evening, outgoing Miss Western Province, Esther Uwingabire handed over the ‘crown’ to Vanessa Mpogazi.Mpogazi, who was tagged number 8, wore a short blue glittery dress.She was moved to tears on being mentioned as the New Miss western province. She attributed her success to support from family and friends."It surely was competitive and also a learning lesson. All those who were up here deserved it. I am keen on winning the national competition, they say practice makes perfect, I want to polish up on a few areas to stand out.”Diane Umutesi, who was the first runner-up, remained positive on winning the final competition."All the contestants were outstanding in their own way. We all have an equal chance at the finals; I have high hopes of winning.”Commenting on the winner, the outgoing Miss western province said that she deserved it and showed confidence and professionalism by the way she handled herself and answered questions. "She will make a good role model to the girls who will look up to her. She is knowledge and has self confidence.”Merveille Uwase was the second runner-up.The event was also graced by Sandrine Uwimbabazi, the president of the youth community in Belgium and an organiser of the Beauty Pageant event involving the Rwandan fraternity in Belgium. She said she was impressed by the organisation of the event."I was impressed by the organisation, criteria and procedures in the competition and looking to borrow a few lessons to build a similar model back in Belgium.”The crowd which largely consisted the youth, was entertained by Salax award nominees, Active boys and Bruce Melody who performed live backed by Bizzo, a popular guitarist.Radio Presenter Claude Kabengera of Isango star kept the event lively as the day’s Emcee.The coming weekend will be National University of Rwanda’s turn to select their representatives in the final competition. Kigali will be the last to have its representatives selected a week later.