They came from a bona fide celebrity, after all, someone these children had only ever seen on television or gracing the pages of fashion magazines. And as five-foot-11 model Rebecca Hardy towered over the cross-legged kids, they hung on every word.

The former Schneiders worker, who traded in her job making hot dogs after being crowned Canada’s Next Top Model last year, regaled the Country Hills Public School students with stories about the reality television show and her new life in front of the cameras.

“I learned confidence is a huge thing in my business,” said Hardy, who lives in nearby Mannheim. “If you have the confidence, you’re going to move forward and do amazing things.”

Hardy’s visit came as a result of a chance encounter days ago with teacher Darlene St. John at a local hair salon. St. John asked for an autograph for her daughter — and then asked if Hardy would come to the school to speak to the girls’ club that St. John and colleague Tara Roden lead.

The club is made up of about 10 hand-picked students, who meet weekly to build confidence and esteem and discuss the pressures facing young girls in society.

Hardy didn’t hesitate, spending some private time with club members in the school library before talking to all of the girls in grades 4 to 6.

“What an inspiration,” said Principal Evelyn Giannopoulos. “A local girl staying true to her desires and life goals and making that dream happen.”

Hardy showed the girls photos from her portfolio, told them about meeting Justin Timberlake and Bono, and confided that her first goal was to play professional soccer.

“I kind of switched what I wanted to do,” she said, and began modeling locally about five years ago at the age of 17. “You never know where life is going to take you.”

A tomboy growing up, Hardy said she was teased for her tall, lanky build, her crooked teeth and the subsequent braces. “The same people who were really rude to me in high school are now asking me for my autograph.”

She praised the club for its efforts in raising more than $200 for the children’s unit at Grand River Hospital through the sale of bookmarks and lollipops the girls spent hours preparing.

“You guys are really doing an amazing thing,” Hardy said. “You’re helping people you don’t even know.”

An excited Faith Webber, 11, said it was the first time she’d ever met a real television star. “I learned you should not worry about what people say, you should not worry about people calling you names,” she said.

Emily Campbell, 10, said she’d remember what Hardy told the group.

“Just believe in yourself, and no matter what happens, just follow what you want to do.”

Procter & Gamble has kept Rebecca busy with shoots and appearances for CoverGirl this fall (watch for her ads in current magazines!)  Rebecca has also shot with some of the top photographers in Canada, has walked the runway in shows for clients such as Aritzia and Calvin Klein, will be appearing in fashion shows for L'Oreal Fashion Week, and can be seen in Fashion, Wedluxe and Hello Magazines.  Rebecca has travelled to Milan and London! Check out Rebecca's stunning new pictures... 

Rebecca, 22-Year-Old From Ontario, Named Canada's Next Top Model

CityNews.ca Staff

She used to handle raw meat on the graveyard shift at an Ontario factory, not exactly glamourous. But Rebecca Hardy's next job could take her anywhere in the world. The 22-year-old from Mannheim was named Canada's Next Top Model in the show's finale Wednesday night.

The slim brunette took the title after a final challenge that saw her and runner-up Sinead strutting on the catwalk in a Lucian Matis runway show. Though both impressed the judges, they agreed Rebecca had what it took to make it big in the fashion world.

"Rebecca is the total package. She's got the looks, the smarts and the passion to be a bonafide success in this business, said the show's host Jay Manuel. "I will continue to mentor her beyond the realm of the show.  Expect to see her make a splash on the international modelling scene."

Hardy beat out nine other contestants to win the contest.

"You have got to do what you got to do to get where you want to go," she said. "This has been a dream for me and taking the steps and taking the constructive criticism and moving forward is probably the hardest part of the competition."

Hardy receives a $100,000 contract from Proctor and Gamble, a contract with Sutherland Models and a spread in Fashion magazine.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Hosted by Jay Manuel ("America's Next Top Model", "Style Her Famous", "Fashion Police"), each one-hour episode on Citytv is built around an important aspect of the modelling profession. Participants must demonstrate both inner and outer beauty as they learn to master the catwalk, fashion photo shoots and deal with the glare of the media, all under the watchful eye of surveillance cameras that chronicle every move. One cast member is eliminated each week and the last model standing will win the coveted title of Canada's Next Top Model.