Deborah Moffat admits she’s shy and self-conscious. But she also hopes to become a teacher one day.

Timidness and teaching don’t go together, which is why this 15-year-old Newport High student is willing to put herself on the line doing something no bashful person would ever want to do: enter a beauty pageant.

“I really want to gain more self confidence,” she said. “I think this will help me do that.”

Deborah plans to participate in the 2009 Miss Jr. Teen Seattle pageant on Oct. 11, which means she’ll be forced to confront one of her worst fears, public speaking.

“I get really embarrassed talking in front of people,” she said.

Not that Deborah doesn’t have experience in the matter. She’s been involved with a theater group at Newport Covenant Church, which put her under the limelight at least a few times.

“I’ve never had major parts, just a couple of lines,” she said. “It’s still pretty horrifying for me.”

Deborah won’t be entering the Miss Jr. Teen Seattle competition cold. The pageant organizer, National’s Incorporated, provides training in interviewing and basic modeling skills.

Beyond that, it’s up to the contestants to make their experiences a success. Each is expected to raise $620 in sponsorships, which could include anything from outfits and makeup to cash.

Deborah said she plans to make her pitch to businesses at Bellevue Square starting this week.

“She really has a lot to learn from an experience like this,” said Deborah’s mother, Barbara Moffat. “The focus of this pageant is on the person and what they’re learning. We see so many benefits.”

Miss Jr. Teen Seattle contestants compete in three categories, including casual wear, formal wear, and personal interview.

As for how Deborah plans to present herself at the competition, she says: “I don’t want to seem super fake. I want to seem real. I’m doing it more as a fun thing.”

Winning the pageant could mean yet another challenge for Deborah. It would qualify her to represent the Seattle metropolitan area at the Cities of America National Competition in Orlando, where over $60,000 in prizes and awards will be available.

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at 425-453-4290.