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White Rock Youth Ambassador program set for 'reboot'

Former ambassador Suzanne Smith inviting keen teens to Feb. 3 info session

It's been more than a few years since Suzanne Smith was introduced to the White Rock Youth Ambassador program, but time has far from dampened her enthusiasm for it.

"It was a really fun time of my life … a really neat time to be a young person," the South Surrey resident said Monday (Jan. 20), recalling her first year was the same one – 1996 – that White Rock welcomed a visit from the Royal Hudson steam train.

"I really enjoyed representing White Rock. I cherish those memories, so I want those for future residents, future youth."

Reconnected to the program for more than two decades now, the former Miss Congeniality has donned a new sash of sorts, as its executive director. Her aim: to "reboot" the program for the 2025 season.

Smith said she was first approached to take the helm a year ago but had too much on her plate at the time to give the role the focus it needed. 

Fast-forward a year, and life is less hectic. 

So while 2024 came and went without a pageant or the naming of new ambassadors, Smith said that won't be the case this year – and she hopes local youth will want to be part of a tradition that has roots dating back more than 70 years. 

"The program is such an important part of our history, and we couldn’t let that heritage die out, especially at a time when youth truly need the social skills we have to offer," she said.

"This program will teach young people skills that I believe have been forgotten, practically, amongst young people. We really focus on social skills, the ability to interact face-to-face with members of the community.

"Kids have their faces in their phones and they barely know how to even greet somebody appropriately. We're going to bring back all of those important core values and skills."

The program has long included a hearty amount of volunteering, and Smith said that will not change. She named strong connections with groups including the Pride Society, Elks and Rotary clubs, and said WRYA's future is "our connection to community groups and continuing to volunteer and support the activities that are in White Rock right now."

She named growing the program's travel component to better share White Rock with other B.C. and Washington communities as among revitalization plans.

While that last factor may take a few years, the next step in the reboot takes place next month: recruiting. On Feb. 3, Smith and WRYA vice-director Dionne Smith – a longtime friend – will host an information session for anyone aged 15 to 18 years old interested in getting involved with the program. Aside from being in the age range, candidates must be either living or learning in White Rock/South Surrey.

They're hoping to see at least 10 teens at the event, set for 4:30 p.m. at the offices of the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation (15521 Russell Ave.). If more than 20 youth want to be involved, interviews will be conducted to narrow the field to those most serious about the role.

All candidates will have a "youth ambassador" title until the August long weekend. At that time, a Mr. or Miss White Rock will be crowned as part of the city's annual Sea Festival. As well, two candidates will win the title of Prince or Princess; a third will be named Friendship Ambassador.

All remaining candidates will continue the term as ambassadors.

While there are some registration fees involved, Smith said no candidates will be refused based on finances.

For more information, visit www.wrya.ca or email wryouthambassadors@gmail.com

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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