Oliver Ambassadors Gavin Buttar, Ishika Gill and Sumeet Sandhu will be completing their reign this year and are encouraging other youth to get involved in this life-changing program that not only enhances self-confidence, but offers many new skills beneficial to your future.
Photo by Lyonel Doherty
The Oliver Ambassador Program is looking for a few good young people to represent their community with pride.
The call is going out to anyone currently in Grade 9-11 who is ready for a great opportunity to boost their self confidence and learn new skills.
As beauty is only skin deep, looks are not important in this program.
During the five-month candidacy program you will develop life skills such as: public speaking, time management organization, job interview skills, and team-building skills.
Candidates will cultivate new friendships, develop confidence in communication, and increase their knowledge of community by participating in many volunteer activities.
“Candidacy is a great way to find out more about yourself and who you are as a person,” said former ambassador Anastasia Levant.
If you are chosen as an ambassador, you will represent Oliver both locally and provincially, she pointed out.
“Join the program and gain skills that will stay with you, and help you throughout your life.”
Kelsey Launier, 2013-14 ambassador, said candidates will grow in so many more ways than expected.
“It’s time to break out of your box and show the world who you really are. Join our program today, and let us see the real you!”
Nikki Brar, who took the ambassador plunge in 2011-12, said the strength and growth you gain from taking part in this program is indescribable.
“I would never have stood in front of a crowd and done a speech, or even have the courage to introduce myself to a new person.”
Brar admitted she was shy and always worried about what people would think of her acts. “Once I completed candidacy for the program I was proud of who I’d become.”
Brar said teens explore their personalities and the type of person they want to be, but why not just be yourself? She noted that youth who want to find out the true meaning of themselves should take part in the program.
Simi Mand, ambassador for Oliver in 2014-15, said the point of the program is to make a difference.
“Most people think of a beauty competition when they think of the ambassador program, but that is not the case. It doesn’t matter what you look like, you still have a great opportunity to contribute.”
Ashley Hiibner, an ambassador in 2012-2013, expressed how grateful she was for the friendships that the program gave her. “I am still in contact with ambassadors from other communities that I reigned with, and Chiara (Mason), Taylor (Baptiste) and I still use the group chat from when we were ambassadors. I made such extraordinary connections that year!”
Candidate meetings are held once a week, not including volunteer opportunities. There is no fee to participate in the program.
See current ambassadors Sumeet Sandhu, Ishika Gill and Gavin Buttar for more information. Or contact the committee through Lori Martine at [email protected] or 250-498-6971.
