The 13 young women vying for the Ladysmith Ambassador title poured their hearts and souls out in front of a packed house.Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. on March 30 at Ladysmith Secondary School’s multi-purpose room and, by 6:45 p.m., organizers were looking for more chairs to accommodate the growing crowd.The evening started with an introduction of the candidates and their sponsors.The candidates then gave speeches on the topics of their choice followed by intermission and, finally, the talent contest.Geordana Clint, sponsored by the Kinsmen, spoke about women in power and their climb to equality. For her talent, Clint revealed her secret to chocolate cookies.Brittany Sanddar, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171, regaled the crowd with teenage habits and rituals that drive her crazy. For her talent, she played the Rock Band video game.Justine McMurtry, Pharmasave, spoke about the difficulties facing children living in poverty. For her talent, she gave a public reading of a children’s book.Laura Brodrick, Women’s Business Network, spoke about the importance of keeping a positive attitude. For her talent Brodrick performed a monologue from the movie Ten Things I Hate About You.Morgan Leroy, ReMax Ocean Pointe Realty, gave her speech on accepting homosexuality and presented a slideshow of her trip to Aruba for her talent.Casey Darbyshire, Ladysmith and District Credit Union, gave her speech on the importance of storytelling and told her story about her bond with her grandparents. For her talent, Darbyshire presented a slideshow of pictures that inspire her.Carleigh Yeomans, Eagles, talked about the special bond between horse and rider and also presented a slideshow of her photography.Amber Brown, LCU Insurance, spoke about the difficulties facing people living with depression. For her talent, Brown performed an original dance routine.Bre King, Ladysmith Fire and Rescue, spoke of the importance of personal identity and performed a monologue blasting the pursuit of perfection.Madeline Tremblay, Tim Hortons, spoke out against child labour and performed River Flows in You on a keyboard.Sha-lynne Cox, 49th Parallel Grocery/Bloooms, blasted the use of animal testing by cosmetic companies and, for her talent, painted a quick portrait of Elvis while A little less conversation played in the background.Taylor Luck, Ladysmith Maritime Festival, spoke about defining beauty and recognizing true beauty. For her talent, Luck performed a hip-hop dance routine.Hilary Jahelka, Rotary, spoke about her faith and struggles with belief. For her talent. Jahelka performed a dance from Grease.The Ladysmith Ambassador will be crowned at a ceremony on April 16 at 7 p.m. at the Frank Jameson Community Centre. Read next week’s Chronicle for more on the candidates.