Bad weather wasn’t enough to prevent residents of Nakusp from coming to the local arena for the Ambassador’s Tea, part of the Ambassador Program of Nakusp.
Tables were set up along two walls of the auditorium. Each girl had her own table which featured items that best represented them. Some had lots of photos, while others featured something the girl was passionate about. Others were more athletically oriented, featuring a variety of uniforms, trophies and medals. A table at the back featured past winners.
To officially kick off the tea, the five girls taking part in this year’s program were brought onto the stage to give their speeches. They introduced themselves, said which local business was sponsoring them, and offered well wishes to those in attendance.
Once people took their seats, the ambassadors themselves served, bringing out sandwiches and desserts, along with tea and coffee.
Once people had finished their meal, they took the chance to walk around, looking at the the girls’ tables, and checking out the items up for grabs at the silent auction. Items from the auction were donated by various residents and businesses in the community.
Since it was announced that the program would be taking place for the first time in four years, community members have been eagerly anticipating program events.
“It’s always a fun evening when the pageant actually comes, and the girls do lots in the community,” said Nicoline Reitmeier. “It’s nice to support young girls, to see them come into their own.”
Shirley Weatherhead, treasurer of the Ambassador committee, agrees.
“It’s such a good stepping stone for young girls to better themselves at public speaking, and everything.”
Weatherhead thinks the girls are doing a wonderful job. For some of the girls, meeting new people and speaking in front of a crowd is easy. For others, not so much.
“It was a little terrifying, but this is what the program is about, getting out and representing yourself,” said Sydney Bone, one of the girls taking part in the Ambassador Program. “Tonight, I think that’s what us five candidates did.”
The next program event is a bottle drive on May 28 at the Esso station.