Teenager vies for Miss Hertfordshire title (From Borehamwood Times)

Radlett teenager vies for Miss Hertfordshire title

1:20pm Wednesday 14th April 2010 in News By Amie Mulderrig

AN ASPIRING doctor from Radlett is competing to be crowned Miss Hertfordshire.

Ally Saetta, 19, of Watford Road, pipped 300 contestants across the county to the final.

She will vie for the title alongside 39 hopefuls on Sunday, May 16, where judges will choose their winner based on an interview, and after appearing dressed in evening wear and a costume inspired by the recycling and the environment.

Miss Saetta, who is in her first year of studying for a medical degree at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University London, said: “I decided to take part in the competition as I really like new experiences – I’m pretty game for anything.

“I entered in September and the public has voted on the Miss Herts website for the finalists.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had made the final cut, I was really shocked. My family are really proud that I’ve been chosen, but I’ve not told all my friend’s yet - I don’t want them to think I’m getting a big head.”

Miss Hertfordshire, an official heat for Miss England, is sponsored by The Galleria to raise money for the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity.

Miss Saetta, who regularly takes part in charitable events at university including sponsored dances, said: “What is good about this competition is the money it raises for charity, which is really important to me.

“I’ve taken part in sponsored dance shows to raise money for good causes and last year I went to Uganda for a life-changing three weeks, helping in the local school.

“So far I’ve managed to raise £250 for the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf , but I’ve not set myself a target, I just want to raise us much money as I possibly can.

“There is a title for whoever raises the most, but I’m not really bothered about that, I just want people to dig deep and donate money.”

Miss Saetta says that despite impressions, the Miss Hertfordshire competition is not based solely on looks and that the interview does count for a lot.

She added: “Although it would be fantastic to win, a really great achievement, I don’t know if I’d want to be a model.

“I’m only five foot two, so I’m not sure there’s much call for a model my height and I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, probably in accident and emergency, since I was a little girl. It’s not a dream I’d like to give up.”

To help Ally Saetta raise even more money for the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf charity visit http://www.justgiving.com/alexandra-ally-saetta