Pride, tears, smiles, hugs, heartfelt words and some really nice dresses.
And, more importantly, three young women stepping forward to carry the torch for their community with a leadership and public speaking skill set freshly polished through eight months of training.
Yes, Saturday was a typical coronation night for the Ladsymith Ambassadors program.
Maya Williams Murphy was named this year’s Ladysmith Ambassador before a crowd of close to 200 people at Frank Jameson Community Centre, with Megan Leslie and Kelsey Primrose named her vice-ambassadors.
“On behalf of the Ladysmith Ambassador Committee I would like to say how amazed and proud we are of every single one of these girls,” Ambassador committee member Jayse Van Ooyen posted on the group’s Facebook page.
“This program is about growth and friendship and it is such an honour to work with nine young women that accomplished just that!”
Leslie won both the speech and talent awards, with Primrose and Kira Shiell sharing the the congeniality honour.
Eleanor Brawner won the personal growth award.
The annual ambassador program trains high-school age participants in the art of community leadership and service, eventually selecting three to represent Ladysmith for a year at events locally and around the province.