We have three new, talented Oliver Ambassadors for 2014/2015.

Simi Mand, Kaylee Lesmeister and Anastasia Levant will start their duties right away and fill the roles of our out-going Ambassadors, Kelsey Launier, Caleb Gagnier and Cheryce Martine.

Saturday’s Pageant was the first to be held in the new Venables Theater which is a superb venue for this keynote annual event. The seats are comfortable and the stage can be seen by everyone.

The extensive program commenced with a “welcome” from the Pageant Committee, the singing of ‘O Canada’, an opening number “The Nicest Kids in Town” then the introductions of the 2013-2014 Ambassador team then the introduction of the 2014 Candidates. Candidate Speeches and Personal Presentations followed and then an impromptu Question Period where the Candidates had to choose one question from a previously compiled selection of three question chosen by the Candidates. Following this segment was the outgoing Ambassador’s Grand March, greetings from many visiting Royalty,  slide show of the Year in Review, Farewell speeches, presentation of certificate to the Candidates, Awards and finally the Coronation of our new Ambassadors.

The evening finished with the ‘Swearing In’ Ceremony’ conducted by Mayor Ron Hovanes.

The talent demonstrated by each of the Candidates was nothing less than impressive, from a recital on a Grand Piano by Kaylee Lesmeister, to a demonstration of Henna artwork by Simi Mand and the presentation of Poetry composed by Anastasia Levant.

Personal Presentations spoke to the depth of thought which the young people of today are capable of bringing to the lives of everyone around them. Anastasia talked of the power of positive thinking in improving one’s life and bringing benefit to all around her, Simi told the audience ‘There is no place like home’ and that she has benefited from the teachings of her parents and friends to be the person she is and to be honest in everything she does. Kaylee gave a thought provoking presentation of the future of our fossil fuelled world and what we can do individually to reduce our ‘carbon foot print’.

Assisting with the production were the ‘Buddies’, very young Oliverites who have the opportunity to be involved with all aspects of the Ambassadors’ programs and events; this is an introduction to public speaking and attending ceremonies for these kids and we hope some of them will be future Ambassadors. The program was started in 1996 and lasted one year; it was revived for this event and the benefits will be seen in future years as these children grow to be adults.

All the Very Best to our new Ambassadors for 2014-2015 they will be traveling around BC representing Oliver as young professionals and there is no doubt they will us make us proud of them.

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