Aikum Takher was crowned as the first Osoyoos Ambassador at the end of June last year, just before Cherry Fiesta. Because the Ambassador program was new last year and Takher was the only candidate, she had a condensed program. The committee hopes for a full slate this year. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Recruiting for the 2018 Osoyoos Ambassador program gets underway shortly and organizers are hoping for a full slate of candidates.
“We ran a sort of condensed program last year,” said Kara Burton, co-ordinator of the program that last year replaced the Osoyoos Royalty program.
That’s because only one candidate, Aikum Takher, was interested.
Burton said her committee, which also includes Natasha Schroeter and Marie Launier, will be speaking to high school students in the next couple of weeks after exams are over.
The program is aimed at youth in grades 10, 11 and 12, Burton said, adding that grade 9 students are also eligible, though at that age they often aren’t ready.
As an Ambassador program, it is now also open to male students, Burton added.
“That was one of the changes that we made last year when we went to an Ambassador program,” said Burton. “Obviously it does typically appeal to girls more than boys.”
An important requirement is that candidates must be residents of Osoyoos, Burton said.
The program teaches young people about life skills as they participate in local events and represent Osoyoos around the province.
This year, one of the skills taught will be basic car care, including how to change a tire – something the Royalty never did.
They also learn skills ranging from public speaking to hair and makeup, financial matters and more.
Burton said the committee is looking into the possibility of having Osoyoos Secondary School include the Ambassador program as an optional school course under the school’s flexible timetable.
“We hope that will help to encourage some students to get involved,” she said.
Burton said it would be ideal to have five candidates, but three would be acceptable.
It was harder to fundraise and run the program with just one Ambassador last year, she said. Nonetheless, she praised Takher.
“She’s doing amazing,” Burton said. “She’s blossomed so much.”
Takher has mostly done local events over the winter, but there were some out-of-town events involving travel over the summer.
Local events have included the Santa Claus parade during Christmas Lite-Up and Rockin’ with Santa. Takher has also been helping with the Elks bingo during December and January, she said.
Early in February, she will participate in the Vernon Winter Carnival.
“We will be looking to the community,” said Burton. “If anyone has a child, a grandchild or an employee that is in the right age group and is someone they think they would like to nominate and encourage to run, we would definitely appreciate any of that kind of support.”
People can contact the program and pass along names by email at [email protected].
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
