Former Oliver Ambassador Caleb Gagnier has never had to carry so many bobby pins in his life.
“Bobby pins are essential in making friends in this program,” he said to laughter at last Saturday’s 2014/2015 Oliver Ambassador coronation at Frank Venables Theatre.
Outgoing Ambassadors Kelsey Launier and Cheryce Martine will attest that bobby pins are a girl’s best friend. And soon, new Ambasadors Anastasia Levant, Simi Mand and Kaylee Lesmeister will agree as they prepare to represent Oliver.
Proud parents, friends and visiting royalty cheered, cried and laughed during the three-and-a-half-hour pageant that defined what family is all about.
It started off with a speech by Levant, who spoke about positivity.
She admitted that life can get her down sometimes, but she uses positivity to break her out of that negative mindset.
“Happiness rubs off so easily on the people around me,” she pointed out.
Levant also performed a piece of “slam poetry” about everyone having his or her own story or quest in life.
Lesmeister played two pieces on the piano, including an outstanding Dr. Who theme song.
For her speech, she talked about “changing the world.”
Only when the last fish is caught and the last forest is destroyed will mankind realize that money isn’t everything, she said.
Lesmeister stated that people are using up more resources than they can afford to, noting the world has to reduce its waste and oil consumption.
She pointed out that it’s not a question of if but when pipelines destined for BC’s west coast will cause a devastating spill.
“We need to change our dirty habits. In time, the Earth can heal itself.”
Lesmeister said that people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world usually do.
Mand showed the audience her talent for Henna art, and delivered a speech entitled “There’s no place like home.”
She said the Town of Oliver has helped her become the person she is today.
“My friends taught me that it’s okay to be different, and my teachers taught me that it’s okay not to be the smartest one in school.”
Mand said it really takes a whole community to raise a child, noting that you don’t have to be related to be family.
Mand was asked by the judges what virtue she values. She replied that happiness is the most important thing in life.
Levant was asked why a sense of humour is so essential in life. She said it helps you stay positive and gives you a chance to laugh at yourself.
Lesmeister was asked what sound is the most comforting to her. She said rain because it reminds her of camping and going to Vancouver.
During the ceremony, several awards were presented to the new Ambassadors.
Mand won the people’s choice, the gold star, the friendship and public speaking awards.
Levant won the knowledge award, while Lesmeister won the personal presentation award.
During her farewell speech, Launier expressed her love for her mother, and told Martine that she was jealous of her hair skill.
Launier said Gagnier was one of the most laid back guys she ever met, and asked “Cinderfella” to keep in touch.
“To Lori (Martine), my weekend mom, I love you, mama!”
Launier said newly crowned BC Ambassador Juliana Martine is an inspiration to her.
“Never let anyone dull your sparkle,” she told Juliana.
Launier gave this advice to her successor: “Never let the crown define you . . . you define the crown.”
Gagnier admitted it was intimidating being outnumbered by girls five to one, but again, bobby pins make good friends.
He told Kelsey and Cheryce that they may be small, but they have very big hearts.
Gagnier gave a plug to his sponsor, the Elks Lodge, saying they make “amazing” pancakes.
An emotional Cheryce Martine said she had a mental breakdown every day, but had no regrets.
She thanked her “weekend families” for all their support, and likened Launier and Gagnier as a brother and sister.
She thanked Gagnier for his bobby pins and holding all of her things in his pocket.
“Me and my hair would not have survived without you.”
Cheryce told her successor not to procrastinate because life goes by amazingly fast.
After the coronation, the Chronicle asked the new ambassadors how this experience will change their lives. And if they could change the world, what would they like to see?
Levant said the new title is already helping her to not be afraid to be herself.
She noted that a little bit of kindness can make someone’s day.
“The world would be a happier, friendlier place with more kindness.”
Lesmeister said the program will help her be more outgoing and confident around other people her age. It will also help with time management skills as she prepares for a busy year ahead.
“If I could change the world in one way I would want to see everyone just treat each other with more respect, no matter who you are.”
Mand said the ambassadorship will teach her how to feel comfortable talking to a crowd of people.
As for change, she would like to see more people her age helping out and getting involved in the community.
an inspiration to her.
“Never let anyone dull your sparkle,” she told Juliana.
Launier gave this advice to her successor: “Never let the crown define you . . . you define the crown.”
Gagnier admitted it was intimidating being outnumbered by girls five to one, but again, bobby pins make good friends.
He told Kelsey and Cheryce that they may be small, but they have very big hearts.
Gagnier gave a plug to his sponsor, the Elks Lodge, saying they make “amazing” pancakes.
An emotional Cheryce Martine said she had a mental breakdown every day, but had no regrets.
She thanked her “weekend families” for all their support, and likened Launier and Gagnier as a brother and sister.
She thanked Gagnier for his bobby pins and holding all of her things in his pocket.
“Me and my hair would not have survived without you.”
Cheryce told her successor not to procrastinate because life goes by amazingly fast.
After the coronation, the Chronicle asked the new Ambassadors how this experience will change their lives. And if they could change the world, what would they like to see?
Levant said the new title is already helping her to not be afraid to be herself.
She noted that a little bit of kindness can make someone’s day.
“The world would be a happier, friendlier place with more kindness.”
Lesmeister said the program will help her be more outgoing and confident around other people her age. It will also help with time management skills as she prepares for a busy year ahead.
“If I could change the world in one way I would want to see everyone just treat each other with more respect, no matter who you are.”
Mand said the ambassadorship will teach her how to feel comfortable talking to a crowd of people.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
