YOU could say she smiled her way to a win.

Nurse Deborah Yeo, who is 169cm tall, didn’t stop flashing her pearly whites every time she went on stage for Teens Model Search.

And for that, the 19-year-old was judge Paul Foster’s pick to win.

The Polo Boys actor, 30, told The New Paper: “She smiled every time she appeared on stage and throughout the catwalk. I think that is very commendable.”

Her efforts paid off as she won the contest and was awarded Miss Congeniality too.

The male winner is 21-year-old new media student Zechariah Koh, who is 183cm tall. He was also named Mr Congeniality and Mr Photogenic.

After the contest, he said: “I’m very surprised by my win. I didn’t expect it.

“I really enjoyed myself throughout the contest. I’m actually rather shy but I’m definitely a lot more confident after this.”

This is Zechariah’s first such contest. Deborah was part of Channel 5 reality TV show SingTel Grid Girls On Tour last year.

They each bagged $7,000 worth of prizes including $2,000 cash, a $3,000 modelling contract with model agency Mannequin Studio and a return trip to South Korea.

The modelling contest, organised by Teens magazine, was held on Tuesday night at Marina Square.

There were 20 finalists – 10 girls and 10 boys.

According to Teens magazine assistant editor Chia Sihan, the contestants were judged based on their appearance, style and confidence.

While Zechariah thought he was not the most confident contestant, 2004 Teens Model Search winner Dawn Yeoh thought otherwise.

She said: “Both winners had great confidence, which shone through and set them apart.”

For the first time, Teens Model Search collaborated with three Home Team Councils – National Crime Prevention Council, National Council Against Drug Abuse, and National Fire and Civil Emergency Preparedness Council.

Drug-free life

This year’s goal was to encourage youths to live a drug-free life and be vigilant against possible crime and civil emergencies.

Zechariah and Deborah may have won the judges’ hearts but other contestants were equally popular with the audience.

Family and friends filled the seats and the sidelines as they cheered the contestants.

Madam Phuah Siew Hoon, the mother of Leon Liang, 21, prepared herself well.

She brought a banner made by his sister, who could not be at the event.

Leon, who is currently on Channel U reality game show U’re The Man, also had support from a troop of aunts and cousins.

Madam Phuah said: “It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t win. I told him the experience gained is more importatnt than winning the title.”

Although they won, Deborah and Zechariah have not forgotten the other contestants with whom they have become good friends.

Deborah said: “I’m going to use part of my prize money to treat them to a good meal.”

This article was first published in The New Paper.