11/27/2007 (By Y&F Team)

Paula made the front page and page A3 of the Lloydminster Source!

The PR artist formerly known as Paula Mickelson is at it again!

Today's Lloydminster Source features a terrific article on page A3 along with a teaser on the front page of the paper!

By Katie Ryan, staff writer

Have you voted yet? On Nov. 21 Common Wealth Credit Union announced their top three Young and Free Spokesperson candidates and one hails from Lloydminster. The Border City's very own Paula Mickelson, 22, is running to become the first voice of Alberta's under 25 crowd.

"I wanted to do it because I really love getting to know people, like traveling and that's sort of what the job is, so I thought it was perfect," said Mickelson.

From Oct. 1 to Nov. 16 the CWCU held their Young and Free search and were overwhelmed by the response they received. If you are between the ages of 19 and 25, living in Northern Alberta, you were eligible for the application process which entailed four easy steps: making a video, uploading it to YouTube, writing a blog post and filling out a form.

Mickelson made the cut with her creative video submission, in which she highlighted why she deserved to be the Young and free spokesperson.

"I think it was definitely the birthday tiara that got me through, that was a quality prop," joked Mickelson. "I don't know what put me ahead of everyone, all of the candidates had really great videos. I watched them all and never thought I would make the top three. I was really surprised when I was phoned."

The winner of the contest will receive a one-year position with the CWCU, with opportunities for personal and professional growth, equipped with a MacBook computer, digital camcorder, camera, smart phone, car and annual salary.

"I'm big on challenging myself and this would be a challenge, because it's something that I have never done before," said Mickelson.

After completing her BA in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario, Mickelson has take the last year off to work and volunteer in her hometown of Lloydminster. She has been working with the AAA Bobcats hockey team as an athletic trainer, teaches a class at Alison Lamont School of Dance and recently finished volunteering with the Barons football team.

"It was really great working with them, because I went to the Comp, so it was kind of like going back to high school again.

"Currently working at Dynamite Oilfield Services, Mickelson is excited about her change to be the Young and Free spokesperson and the vehicle that would be provided, "because one of the best things about my job is that I do get to drive around a lot and the best place to sing is in your car."

Upcoming this week for Mickelson is a radio interview with 104.7 Free FM's Kiel Kelly, of Grade Prairie. Go to www.1047freefm.com to listen online. Mickelson would like to thank the DJs of 95.9 Lloyd FM, especially fellow Comp alum Shane Schnieder, for their support.

Visit www.youngfreealberta.com to view Mickelson's blog and video, and to cast your vote. Online voting takes place until Dec. 2 and the winner will be announced Dec.10.

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From all of us at Common Wealth Credit Union, thank you Lloydminster Source for the incredible coverage!

While you are here, send a message to some friends and tell them to vote for your favourite!

Y&F Team