Six months of training concluded this past weekend for six of Elkford’s loveliest young residents.

Morgan McLean, Chiara MacPherson, Meaghan Frenks, Maddi McHarg, Cassandra Nixon, and Anastasia Wildeman were put through the paces in front of judges Michelle Epp, Program coordinator for the Trail Ambassador program, Yvonne Molle from Odyssey Clothing Store and myself of Fernie. We had the difficult job of ranking the girls on beginning with written essays, opening musical number, sponsor speech and little buddy introductions, talent and frugal fashion show on Friday evening.

Saturday began with an intense 25 minute interview of candidates by the judges, dinner with the judges with judging on how the girls comported themselves in a social setting and then more speeches, evening gown, impromptu question ,closing number and coronation.

The hall was full to capacity both nights with family and friends of the contestants who performed very well in all categories that included dress, projection of voice, sincerity of manner, personality and poise.

These grade ten girls are barely sixteen with Chiara still shy of the number yet they showed poise and grace that was remarkable.

Organizer Debbie Kliment and Lynn Lundegren and Judge Chairperson Kim Bauer emphasised that this is not a beauty pageant. The girls are given a six month time frame to learn numerous self- improvement techniques to carry them through life. All said the program helped them immensely especially with public speaking. Morgan commented that before being involved with this program she was unable to stand up and speak at all while Cassandra said she couldn’t speak without giggling profusely, both girls spoke well in front of the crowds at the pageant.

Mayor Dean McKerracher brought greetings saying Council supported this program, then drew a laugh when he said that now that he no longer had grand- daughters taking part in the pageant he could push for more funding for the program. This is the third year for this program and both previous years saw Kenzie and Shelan Bauer compete with Kenzie winning the crown the first year and Shelan winning Princess last year.

Candidates enjoy a buddy program with little girls spending time with them during the past months in role model capacity.

The little buddies were part of the show both days and it was very touching to see them hand their candidate a bouquet of fresh flowers and give them a hug.

This program builds self- esteem for girls competing and the little buddies who could become the candidates of the future say the organizers.

As a judge I found it difficult to choose, we had to pay rapt attention to every little detail as the girls were all gracious and talented.

After each category judges scored points for each one privately and then handed the sheet to auditor Mandy Mcgregor. Points were also recorded by the two organizers for the time they spent in preparation events and training. All scores were then tallied and announced to candidates, judges, family and friends by master of ceremonies Lorrie-Ann MacLeod who did an excellent job with her ability to adlib and add humor to both evenings.

Before the coronation Princess Shelan Bauer and Miss Elkford teen ambassador Sydney Thompson walked down the aisle one last time, gave speeches and presented several awards before announcing the winners.

Chiara won for best frugal fashion, she purchased a bed sheet for one dollar and made a colourful beautiful outfit that included booties and stole the show as she danced down the walkway modelling.

Anastasia won a 600 dollar scholarship for selling the most candidates ballots. Morgan won for being best improved in public speaking. Cassandra won Miss Congeniality.

Visiting royalty from Cranbrook, Peachland and Trail were also on hand to salute the retiring princess and ambassador and also to bring greetings from their respective cities.

At the end the coveted princess honour went to Anastasia Wildeman with Cassandra Nixon crowned Miss Elkford Teen Ambassador.

I can’t say enough on how well all the candidates performed in every aspect of the competition. They are all winners in every way.

Sincere Congratulations to all the candidates and to Cassandra and Anastasia may your year of reign be filled with much joy and laughter and learning.