Time is ticking for the Greater Trail community to vote online in support of a young role model’s journey as one of seven candidates running in the British Columbia Ambassador Program.
Former Miss Trail Cheyanne Friess has been out and about for months, attending fundraising events, volunteering, studying B.C. history and practicing her speeches in preparation for the pageant held in Merritt Aug. 15 and 16.
She admits to feeling butterflies over the event that will honour three candidates with the title, though Friess is confident when the big day arrives, everything she has learned will fall into place.
“I never realized how quickly time flies until now, when I have two speeches to memorize, a knowledge exam to study for and a table display to prepare,” Friess said. “At this point I am coming home and working and doing nothing else because it’ll be worth it.”
The community can get behind her by voting daily for the program’s people’s choice award by visiting www.bcambassador.com and selecting “People’s Choice 2014” on the left-hand side.
“The most rewarding part of my candidacy is being active in the community,” said the 18-year old. “Everyone is really supportive and it’s nice to see that,” she continued. “It has also helped me further develop into a confident person and I am thankful for the experience.”
The B.C. program is open to young men or women between 17 and 24 years old who have held an ambassador or royal title in the province.
“I am looking forward to spending a week with my fellow candidates,” said Friess.
“It will be nice to connect with them and share stories about our run. But it’ll be nice to perform and make Trail proud.”
The program promotes motivation, self esteem and education with money fundraised awarded to candidates through bursaries.
Program organizers also go after post-secondary scholarships at appropriate schools based on a candidate’s studies of interest.
Friess attended the Trail council meeting Monday night, and after talking about events she attended over the summer, said her plans include using any financial backing won through the program for a dental assisting course this fall at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook.