Be a part of making your community a better place!
Emily McGovern, 2017/18 Princess at the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s 2017 Princess Party
Sasha Reynolds Miss White Rock 2020 and Sabrina Zeng, 2018 Ambassador with Centrepoint Enterprises’ Paul and Bryce Welder.
Sponsorship
Each candidate is matched with a sponsor, usually a local business or club, and represents them until the Gala night. The relationship candidates build with their sponsor can continue past candidacy, and allows them to have a connection in the community.
Karina Zhou with Telus Purefibre’s Josh Weston
Public Speaking
At Speech and Talent night, candidates deliver a three to four minute memorized original speech on a subject of their choice. Speeches are judged on topic appropriateness, grammar, hand gestures and voice fluctuations. Candidates will also attend sessions at Toastmasters and undergo public speaking training to guide them on how to craft the perfect speech. Candidates also present their speeches to the current team and their fellow candidates in order to help them feel comfortable and deliver the best speech they possibly can.
Talent Showcase
This is an opportunity for a candidate to show off their talent and creativity. It also allows the audience to know you a bit more personally by learning about your skills and hobbies. You can do anything from singing, playing an instrument or dancing, to showcasing the sports you play, or art you have created. Use this as an opportunity to show off your abilities and have fun!
Knowledge Test
How much does the “White Rock” weigh? How often are the municipal elections held? What are the elements of the coat of arms? How long is the promenade?
It’s important for an Ambassador of White Rock to be knowledgeable about the community and its history. We will provide a study package for this portion of the competition.
Community Essays
With your newfound community knowledge, you will be asked to write a one page essay on a topic chosen by the program board. These essays are then marked by the White Rock Museum’s Archivist, Hugh Ellenwood. The Essay is marked on accuracy of information, grammar, structure and creativity.
Commitment, Attitude and Attendance:
A mark will be awarded to each candidate for their commitment to the program which is judged by their attendance, attitude and willingness to work hard. This is one of the most important elements of the program, as what you put into the program will be what you get out.
Personal Interview
Candidates are interviewed by the judges. Each person is asked the same series of questions and this is their opportunity to show their personality and share their opinions. The personal interview is also a benchmark of how candidates have grown and improved throughout their candidacy.
Gala and Awards Night
The end of candidacy is the Awards Gala, which is attended by friends, family, local dignitaries, and out of town Royalty. Candidates participate in the opening number for a fun choreographed dance, along with the retiring royalty. They are then interviewed onstage about their experience in the program, their sponsor, and their interests. They will also have a formal presentation of their gown and then be crowned as a youth ambassador. After this, the awards for all judged events are presented and additional awards such as the Paul Welder Memorial, Principle Ambassador. Following the awards the titles of Miss White Rock, Princesses and Friendship Ambassador are passed to the new royalty.
The Opening Number
Miss White Rock 2017, Emily McTavish
Retiring Royalty sharing a hug after their farewells
After the Gala
Candidacy ultimately leads to a title and a spot on the team. After the Gala, you are able to step out into your community as an Ambassador.
Celebrations!
After the Gala, there is a dance to celebrate all the candidates’ hard work, and to say goodbye to the now-retired royalty. The dance is traditionally held at the Elks Lodge #431, one of our sponsors and has pizza, cake, music and dancing! Family, friends and, out-of-town royalty are all invited to let loose in honour of the new royalty’s accomplishments.
Sea Festival
The weekend after the Gala will be Sea Festival weekend. Miss White Rock and the two Princesses will ride on the city float for the Torchlight Parade, followed by the youth ambassadors and retired royalty. The whole weekend is filled with activities with the out of town royalty such as, brunch, parades and time on the beach.
Traveling
Travelling the province is one of the many great opportunities for youth in the program to expand their horizons. While travelling, royalty represents White Rock across British Columbia and meets ambassadors from other communities. This gives the WRYA a chance to form new friendships, and experience beautiful British Columbia. When travelling ambassadors attend other Galas and explore many cities such as Kelowna, Penticton, Victoria and more.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an essential part of any great community. As an ambassador you will be able to boost your resume and gain volunteer hours for school. While working hard you will also be able to obtain letters of reference, make connections and leave your mark on the White Rock community.