White Rock’s newest youth ambassador team will embark on a year-long journey of community service led by Earl Marriott Secondary student, and newly crowned Miss White Rock, Sunny Shih.
The Grade 11 student was presented the crown after accumulating the most points in the competition. Judges mark ambassadors on a 150-point system in categories such as talent, community knowledge, public speaking and formal walk.
“Most importantly, what we are looking for is a good attitude,” said ambassador co-chair Debbie Ward. “As they go through the competition, it becomes apparent if they have a good attitude and the right spirit.”
Shih will be taking over the position from Alexandra Barberis, who was crowned at last year’s festival.
The new team – including Friendship Ambassador Elise Gao, Princesses Alison Nichol and Elaine Lin, as well as Ambassadors Paige Glazier, Alina Huang, Tiffany Zhang, Rachel Chen, Harrison Woo, Angel Zou and Alicia Liang– has a busy schedule ahead of them, including travelling to 11 communities and volunteering at community events.
The hope is they will leave with a greater knowledge of society, community, municipal government and service clubs, Ward said.
“The way I look at it, some of these kids are already perfect and there’s not much room for improvement. They are the full package already,” she said. “What we can offer is the preparation for the future. When they go to university, they need to know what needs to be done in order to make things work and the importance of getting involved at a grass-roots level.”
While university is still a few years away for Shih, the accomplished violinist said the experience is one she would recommend to people of all ages.
“I got to learn a lot about my community and make some really precious friends,” Shih said. “I would definitely encourage others to join the program.”
The youth ambassadors head to Penticton this weekend and will attend the B.C. Ambassadors conference in Merrit Aug. 17-18.
For more information, visit www.wrya.ca