Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Dec 02/98) - The 86th Grey Cup had a definite Northern flair this year.

Yellowknife's Nicole Gagnon, spent eight days last month in Winnipeg, Manitoba, playing an official part in the city's Grey Cup celebrations.

"I talked to schools and visited hospitals," she says of her trip, which was partly sponsored by the City of Yellowknife. "I encouraged students (on school visits) to reach for their goals."

Gagnon, who was crowned Miss Teen Canada last August after a contest in Mississauga, Ontario, also took part in the famous Grey Cup parade which went through the heart of Manitoba's largest city.

"Everyone was cheering for the NWT," she says.

With this task complete, Gagnon got to attend the big game itself.

"I had seen a game, but had never seen a Grey Cup," she says, adding she cheered for the Calgary Stampeders because they are closer team to her Yellowknife home than Hamilton.

Gagnon also spoke to a Rotary Club luncheon and was accompanied on the trip by her mother, Jeannie.