Next week, the Ladysmith Ambassadors will showcase the results of seven months of work during their Speech and Talent Night, set for Wednesday, April 2 at Ladysmith Secondary School.
The 13 candidates will each present a three-minute speech and an individual talent, which this year include dance, piano, singing, photography and a cooking show. The evening allows the girls to share their talents with the public and provides a platform for judges to select the three girls who will act as the Ambassador Team for 2014.
“[The] Ambassador Program works to foster self-esteem, education, friendship and empowers future leaders in our community,” said Lauri Virtanen, chair of the Ladysmith Ambassador Committee. The program runs for seven months, during which the candidates volunteer in their community, receive public speaking training from Toastmasters and work on their speeches and talent presentations.
Throughout the last week of March and first few weeks of April, the girls participate in three separate judged events in a bid to become one of three Ambassador Team members. Outgoing members receive bursaries for post-secondary education, but even those not selected for the team reap plenty of benefits through participating in the Ladysmith Ambassadors.
“We hope that the candidates finish the program with sense of community, self-esteem, and new friendships,” said Virtanen.
The Speech and Talent Night is the second of the three events, which also include a one-on-one interview with the judges and Coronation Night on April 12 during which the Ambassador Team members for 2014 will be announced.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the Speech and Talent Night at 7 p.m. on April 2 at Ladysmith Secondary School. Tickets, which include refreshments, cost $10 and can be purchased from any candidate, at the door or by phoning Lauri at 250-245-7774.
Tickets for the April 12 Coronation Night cost $15.