Oliver’s ambassadors take a moment to pose during a recent trip to Vernon for the Winter Carnival and coronation/proclamation of the Queen Silver Star ceremony. From left are Caleb Gagnier, Cheryce Martine and Kelsey Launier.
Juliana Martine photo
Being in the royal court of Oliver is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Kelsey Launier, Caleb Gagnier and Cheryce Martine have enjoyed every moment so far.
The three ambassadors were named during an awards and coronation ceremony held at Oliver Alliance Church on August 24. Their respective calendars have been jam-packed with events, parades, pageants and fundraisers to appear at throughout the South Okanagan ever since.
Launier says there’s more to being an ambassador than making appearances. “It’s not just smile and wave work, there’s so much more to it. There’s a lot of helping out and volunteer work.”
But the 18-year-old high school student said the extra duties are more than worthwhile. She said the opportunities she has been offered through the ambassador program have given her the confidence to take on leadership roles, take more risks and to be more self-assured when making decisions.
Launier applied to Thompson Rivers University and was recently accepted into their dramatic arts program. She plans to become an actress. She said her experience with the ambassador program gave her the push she needed to pursue her dream.
“I’ve always wanted to work in the theatre but I know others have different ideas about what I should do with my life. I know this is a risk but I won’t know if I don’t try. This is what I want to do. And I feel more confident about doing it now.”
Launier said the highlight of her reign, so far, has been connecting with ambassadors from other communities. “I’ve always been kind of shy,” she noted. “Now I don’t mind going up and introducing myself and starting a conversation. It seems like a big step.”
Gagnier, 18, said being an ambassador has brought him out of his shell and inspired him to take on a more active role in the classroom. He said his most memorable experience to date has been meeting Mayor Ron Hovanes and feeling comfortable approaching him at events.
“I never used to really put my hand up or offer to go first when it came to presentations and stuff, so I feel like I’m becoming a better public speaker,” he said. “Now I’ll put my hand up first. I’m not nervous about getting up and talking to people.”
He said he would recommend the program to anyone, particularly other males. “It’s a good way to get out and meet people and you learn a lot about yourself and your community. Overall, it’s just a great program to be in. You get to make connections with people you might not have expected to have made connections with before.”
When Gagnier graduates in June he plans to work and take his time making decisions about post secondary education. He said he’s not in a rush to start accumulating “giant student loans,” but when he’s ready, he is interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.
At 16, Cheryce Martine is the youngest member of the group, but arguably the most experienced. Her older sister Juliana is a former ambassador. Martine said Juliana’s experience gave her valuable insight into the opportunities that the program was able to provide. “You definitely get to expand your network and get to know people. You get to develop relationships with people from other towns and people from outside of school. You get to branch out.”
Martine says her favourite event to date was Breakfast with Santa, but what she really enjoys is being able to encourage other students to get involved with the ambassador program.
“We’re recruiting ambassadors for next year so I’m starting to get messages from people asking me what we do which I think is great. I know it can be hard to try something you’ve never done before but I say get involved. Be open to trying new things. People are welcoming,” she added.
For Martine, the end of her reign will be bittersweet, but she knows it has to end some time.
Launier said they’ve had lots of fun.
“We already sort of knew each other because this is a small school but we’re kind of a weekend family.
Applications for candidacy are currently available at the ambassador’s kiosk in the atrium at SOSS during lunch hour.
Forms can also be obtained by email at [email protected], online at oliverambassadors.ca, or by calling Lori Martine at 250-498-6971 until March 10.
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
