From left are new Ambassadors Kelsey Launier, Caleb Gagnier and Cheryce Martine. The three Oliver teens were crowned during an awards ceremony held at Oliver Alliance Church on August 24. During the ceremony, Martine was awarded People’s Choice and recognized for knowledge of Oliver, public speaking and personal presentation. Launier received the Friendship Award and Gagnier received the Gold Star Award.
Juliana Martine photo
Amid smiles, laughter and a few tears, Oliver’s three outgoing youth ambassadors (Ashley Hiibner, Chiara Mason and Taylor Baptiste) passed on their banners and crowns to their newly chosen successors. The three new ambassadors were named during an awards and coronation ceremony held at Oliver Alliance Church on August 24.
For second-time candidate Cheryce Martine, 15, the coronation was the culmination of 12 months of tireless campaigning and volunteer work, not to mention balancing her school work, a part-time job and extracurricular activities. She said becoming an ambassador will likely double her workload but is more than worthwhile.
“My older sister Julie was an ambassador in 2010 and I saw what this program did for her. She got to meet all kinds of interesting people and do interesting things and I wanted to have that opportunity as well. Being a part of this has already opened up a new world to me. I’m looking forward to the next year.”
Martine’s fellow winners, Kelsey Launier, 17, and Caleb Gagnier, 17, joined her on the campaign trail in March. Both said the last six months have been a life-changing experience.
Launier said she was also inspired to join the program by a former ambassador. She is friends with one of her predecessors, Ashley Hiibner.
“Seeing Ashley improve and gain more confidence over the last year really gave me the push I needed to do this. Going through the candidacy process in the last six months has given me a lot more confidence already.”
But confidence isn’t the only change the candidates have experienced.
Gagnier said his experiences over the past six months have helped him improve his public speaking skills and given him a new perspective on the Town of Oliver.
“I think a lot of people think there is nothing to do in Oliver but there is a ton of stuff! There are a lot of volunteer organizations that always need help. If you’re looking for something to do, all you have to do is ask.”
Newly crowned Ambassador Cheryce Martine beams and waves to the audience during Saturday’s ceremony.
Juliana Martine photo
Launier said she also experienced a shift in her perspective on the town.
“Before this I felt Oliver was a bit boring. But I was able to learn a lot about our history through all the volunteering we’ve done and the people we have been able to meet. There are a lot of things to do here. So when I hear people say there isn’t much going on here, I don’t feel bad telling them they’re wrong.”
The 2013 Oliver ambassador candidates also included Jasleen Sra, Rannan Chernoff and Jonathan Rothe, all whom successfully completed the candidacy program.
The candidates were sponsored by the Oliver Lions Club, Oliver Elks Lodge, Oliver Kiwanis Club, Oliver Rotary Club, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #97, and JMJ Biodynamic Orchards. The awards evening was sponsored by the Oliver Rental Centre who supplied the banquet room and hall decorations. This year’s awards were sponsored by Beyond Bliss, Amos Realty and the Oliver Tourism Association.
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
