Ambassador booklet

THE OFFICIAL

2015 Ambassador

British Columbia Program

August 14 & 15, 2015 in merritt, BC

produced by the merritt herald

Office supplies, toners & ink cartridges innextstockdayor

above: Kathy with our first ever BC Ambassador Tiffany Rose of Merritt, BC!

th Celebrating ourth 15 Year Anniversary Celebrating our 20 Year Anniversary Together

1951A Garcia Street, Merritt, BC Phone: 250-378-6808 • Fax: 250-378-2025 Toll Free: 1-800-561-8338 • merrittprinting@telus.net

250-378-5558

2040 GRANITE AVENUE, MERRITT

ENGRAVING & AWARDS • Promotional products • Corporate branded apparel • Embroidery • Silkscreening • Signs • Engraving • Trophies • Awards Ask for

now at

Susanne Snider

“Proudly serving the BC Ambassador Association, Royalty and related programs for over 14 years”

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

—2—

1951A Garcia Street, Merritt, BC Phone: 250-378-6808 • Fax: 250-378-2025 Toll Free: 1-800-561-8338 • merrittprinting@telus.net

Produced by the Merritt Herald

A Message

From the Committee On behalf of the British Columbia Ambassador Program Committee we would like wish the outgoing Ambassadors the best of luck in their future undertakings. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the program in mentoring and promoting our mandate; you should be very proud of your accomplishments throughout this past year. We know that whatever aspirations you have, you will achieve them.

To the 2015 candidates we wish you every success; all your hard work and determination has come to fruition. Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams.

The British Columbia Ambassador Program Committee is grateful and appreciative to the City of Merritt mayor and council and to Nicola Valley Tourism for their continuing support and generosity. This program would not be possible without sponsorship. Thank you for believing in the youth and helping them reach their goals; investing in our youth today ensures leaders of tomorrow.

This program was a dream to promote education, motivation and self-esteem. As we go forward the committee maintains the intention of encouraging our youth to recognize their full potential. Thank you to all the B.C. co-ordinators, volunteers and sponsors for making the British Columbia Ambassador Program a success!

Sincerely, The British Columbia Ambassador Program Committee

©Merritt Herald 2015

—3—

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

SSADOR Prog BC AMBA ram 5 1 20

Schedule of Events Friday Evening Program - 6:30 pm Meet the 2015 British Columbia Ambassador Candidates Personal Choice Speeches Intermission Community Speeches

Saturday Evening Program - 6:30 pm Formal Presentations Impromptu Questions Intermission 2014 British Columbia Ambassador Farewells Award Presentations Coronation of the 2015 British Columbia Ambassadors

Emcee for Saturday evening’s performance Merritt Ambassador 2009 & British Columbia Ambassador 2011 Sarah Simon

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

—4—

Produced by the Merritt Herald

Kelsey-Lee Launier Oliver

Latasha Webster Lytton

Tess Russell Kamloops

Introducing the Chelsea Cameron-Horner

Osoyoos

Ambassador Candidates

Ethan Grierson New Denver

2015 BC Ambassador Program

Mary-Margret Batyi Lake Cowichan

Rachael teBulte Castlegar

Viveka Jensen Osoyoos ©Merritt Herald 2015

Téa Hartfield Keremeos —5—

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

C

Chey,

DPOHSBUVMBUJPOT PO B WFSZ TVDDFTTGVM

B

ZFBS BOE B KPC XFMM EPOF 8F BSF WFSZ QSPVE PG ZPV -JWF FWFSZEBZ UP UIF GVMMFTU

"MM PVS MPWF %BE (SBNB BOE 1BQB

Thank you Cheyanne for representing Trail as a BC Ambassador!

We are extremely proud of your accomplishments!

www.trail.ca 2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

- The Mayor & Council, City of Trail and The Trail Ambassador Programme

Tel: 250-364-1262 • Email: info@trail.ca

—6—

Produced by the Merritt Herald

Cheyanne Friess British Columbia 2014 Ambassador

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.” - J.R. Tolkien “All that sparkles does not shine without a smile, not all those who make mistakes fail, always be strong even when it’s difficult, shelter yourself, but remember to allow the world to test you.” - Unknown This year has been one huge lesson for me. From the beginning my strength was tested and in realizing this I refused to give up. For me, it was messing up my speech that taught me that no matter what you will face you need to make a decision, to give up or to stand your ground and try again. I am glad that in that moment I decided to leave the mistake behind me and show everyone what I was made of.

Even though I sport a sparkly crown on my head, sometimes my strength faltered. I wondered, “Can I do this? Am I ready?” But with support and encouragement I found the light in the dark and saw my potential as an Ambassador, and I remembered to always smile. For those who helped me through, I am thankful. The City of Trail has shown tremendous support, from my candidacy through to my reign I was grateful to know they were by my side as I transitioned. Thank you to the Trail Ambassador Program also, for giving me the tools and skills to pursue this, the magnitude of my thank you’s is quite extraordinary.

Being strong is tough, you feel like straw when you should feel like stone. However, I have my family to thank for always reminding me that “This too shall pass” and in those words I trust that I could move on and lift my chin up. I will never let small things crush me, not anymore; this program has given me far too much confidence to allow that!

Candidacy was an experience that gave me knowledge and appreciation for my hometown. Not only was I blessed to see how supportive people were but I was lucky enough to be sponsored by the Knights of Pythias. Thank you, Ivan and the rest of the people who gave me the opportunity to pursue my goals. Also, to the Italo Canadese for being my second family for three years now, from Miss Trail to now you all have a special place in my heart, and thank you for always keeping me full!

Moving forward in my life, choosing a career path to take is much like choosing an ice cream flavour — the ideal fix would be to pile eight different kinds into a cone, however, I don’t think I can be an archaeologist/crime scene investigator/model. So, for now I will take a few university courses and find which flavour tickles my fancy!

Remember, be a stone when the world tries to make you straw, sport a smile to make everything sparkle, keep your chin up, and ultimately always be yourself, be courageous, be afraid, be nerdy but promise me you’ll be you!

Namaarie, (Farewell) Cheyanne Friess

©Merritt Herald 2015

—7—

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

Wine Capital of Canada

Thank you

JULIANA MARTINE

J

BC Ambassador 2014

Mayor Ron Hovanes and Council for the Town of Oliver and all the residents of greater Oliver would like to thank Juliana Martine for your excellent representation as a BC Ambassador for 2014.

B

You continue to be an inspiration to all youth. We are extremely proud of your accomplishments and wish you success in all your future endeavours.

The Oliver Ambassador Program

Wishing you all the best Juliana!

is honored to have such a lovely young lady as role model for our ambassadors and candidates. You continue to make us proud each day, Juliana.

Ron Hovanes, Mayor and Council for the Town of Oliver

Congratulations to the 2015 BC Ambassador candidates & reigning royalty.

U U J S S F .

U S F T F %

UÊ >VÌÕÃÊ iÃÊ*ÕL

Voted Country Club of the Year

by BCCMA

UÊ Vi Ãi`Ê µÕ ÀÊ-Ì Ài UÊ,iÃÌ>ÕÀ> ÌÊEÊ, Ã

INN

ALL YOUR NEEDS IN ONE LOCATION! Check on-line for specials and entertainment Featuring LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

2350 VOGHT STREET MERRITT, B.C.

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

www.merrittdesertinn.com Melvina White - Owner/Manager

PHONE:(250) 378-2254 FAX: (250) 378-2522 —8—

Produced by the Merritt Herald

Juliana Martine British Columbia 2014 Ambassador

When I look back five years ago when I first became involved with the Oliver Ambassador Program, I can barely recognize that shy young girl, compared to the woman I have become today. My success in the working world, academics, and social skills are principally due to the skills and self-confidence that I gained throughout my experiences with this remarkable program.

I am currently working towards my communications and media studies degree at Simon Fraser University. While on the coast, I had the opportunity to be involved with local ambassador programs in the area of which I am very thankful for. Being able to be back in my own community for the summer has meant a lot to me, being involved and giving back.

I would like to thank so many people for supporting me throughout my journey. Thank you to the Oliver Ambassador Program committee for giving me the opportunity to take part in this program and inviting me to participate in their many activities with them. Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Oliver for sponsoring me through both the Oliver Ambassador Program and the BC Ambassador Program, as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #97, the Oliver Fire Department, the Elks, the Rotary Club, and the Lions Club; you have all supported me in one way or the other throughout my time as an ambassador. I thank you all for inviting me out and embracing me at all of your events and showing me the true spirit of community.

To the Town of Oliver mayor and council as well as TNRD Area C directors, I cannot thank you enough for standing behind me as I worked to represent our town on the provincial level, it was truly an honour. Thank you to my MLA Linda Larson for giving me the opportunity to visit the parliament building in Victoria and organizing a day full of experiences I will never forget, you are truly a role model.

Thank you to my friends and family for being so helpful over this past year and a half, and for understanding and helping me manage my insanely busy schedule. I cannot express to you the amount of gratitude and love I have for you all.

To the British Columbia Ambassador committee, you have been like my family this past year and it means so much to me to have you in my life. Even though the crown will be coming off soon, I could never leave you behind as you have truly changed my life. I was extremely blessed to be a team with such remarkable young ladies as Nav and Cheyanne, you have both taught me so much and I hope we remain friends long into our futures!

I cannot imagine a better place to live than our beautiful British Columbia, and the fact that I have had the opportunity to represent it is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have learned so much about myself, my community and my province because of my involvement with this program and I cannot help sharing this knowledge and love with others. It is hard to believe that this chapter in my life is coming to an end and it feels as if it passed by so quickly! “And suddenly you know… It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”-Meister Eckhart With Love, Juliana Martine

©Merritt Herald 2015

—9—

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

6N[[R]] ?R\R]X[ 2WOX[VJ]RXW ) +JRUURN 1X^\N

The Merritt Herald wishes to

CON

GRATULATE

the 2015

BC Ambassador Candidates

Open every day from May 1 to September 30, Tuesday To Saturday from October 1 to April 30

for representing their communities as bright shining examples.

Stop by to visit a piece of Merritt History We have free tours, Wi-Fi, coffee, tea, ice-tea, and lemonade.

Also, we sell a variety of wares including but not limited to:

Good Luck with all your future accomplishments!

Homemade dandelion jelly, Merritt iron-on transfers, furniture, pins, Nicola Valley honey, hard ice cream, and various collectibles and Merritt souvenirs. We have a free picnic and

garden area to enjoy your food and relax. e-mail: bailliehouse@shaw.ca or Visit our website at www.bailliehouse.com

ÓÓxäÊ6 } ÌÊ-Ì°Ê iÀÀ ÌÌ]Ê ÊUÊ* i\Ê­Óxä®ÊÎÇn äÎ{

Navjot Takhar The Miss Kelowna Lady of the Lake Society is very proud of all your accomplishments.

You have represented your province with professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication.

We wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 10 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

N

B

Navjot Takhar British Columbia 2014 Ambassador

What an honour it has been to represent beautiful British Columbia. As the first ambassador to be crowned the provincial title from Kelowna, I was absolutely thrilled when the speaker had announced my name. There were no dull moments over my journey this past year, with my agenda full of public speaking, volunteering and travel!

The BC Ambassador Program mandate aligns very well with my personal morals and visions. I believe it is imperative to encourage youth to pursue their goals upon graduation, and attending post-secondary school helps with this. I have just completed the second year of my Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in the field of Microbiology. I love staying in Kelowna with my family and attending the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

Dedicated community involvement from the youth has become less frequent, and I appreciated the platform this provincial title provided to change that. Throughout my tenure I have volunteered throughout various communities hoping to inspire youth to get involved! I aspire to have a lasting positive impact on B.C. communities through my passion for volunteer work. Through this, I was grateful to have received the top honour in the youth category of the Kelowna Community Leader Awards earlier this year.

This year would not have been so memorable without the support and encouragement of many organizations and individuals. I would like to thank the Kelowna Kinsmen Club as well as Pinnacle Sports Physiotherapy for their initial sponsorship of me as a candidate, as well as Mayor Basran and the City of Kelowna for their continued support. I would also like to thanks the Miss Kelowna Lady of the Lake Society for their valuable advice, motivation and support they have provided me with over the years.

It meant so much to me to have the opportunity to reconnect with such passionate and giving individuals in my community. To the BC Ambassador committee, thank you for providing such an incredible learning experience for youth. The program allowed me to nurture my public speaking and time management skills and improve myself in aspects that I would not have been able to do otherwise. For that I am very appreciative.

This year was unforgettable and I am proud to call Juliana Martine and Cheyanne Friess my teammates. I wish them the very best of luck wherever their bright futures may lead them.

Finally, thank you to my wonderful family and friends! Your unconditional love and support are what truly make me strive for success. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for your presence in my life.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” – Mahatma Ghandi.

Be passionate about life itself, learning through experiences, and relishing each moment.

Navjot Takhar

©Merritt Herald 2015

— 11 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

2015 BC ambassador candidate

Chelsea Cameron-Horner Osoyoos

Chelsea has proudly called Osoyoos home since she was born 23 years ago. She prides herself on being community-minded after her time as an Osoyoos Princess in 2008 and, more recently, becoming an active member of V-Day Oliver/Osoyoos. She volunteered her time on the 2015 V-Day Campaign which resolves to end violence against women. Chelsea’s hobbies include photography, singing, and acting, and she has called the stage home since Kindergarten. Chelsea’s biggest passion is social media, having uploaded her first YouTube video in 2005. She now blogs, vlogs, and posts to Facebook daily. She is inspired to attend Okanagan College with a focus on Communications and Media, so she can have a career in social media. If given the opportunity, Chelsea would like to attend VidCon, the annual YouTube convention. Her advice is a quote from Confucius: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Congratulations,

Chelsea Cameron-Horner

You are meeting challenges and fulfilling potential that was wished for you as you started your journey.

Osoyoos Royalty Committee

Chelsea,

We are all proud of your campaign and wish you much success!

Love from, Mom, Dad, Will and family, Grandma Betty, Grandma Darlene, Grandpa Alec, and the rest of your extended family

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 12 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

2015 BC ambassador candidate

Ethan Grierson

Congratulations

ETHAN GRIERSON FOR PURSUING YOUR DREAMS

New Denver

Ethan was raised in the small valley town of New Denver. Last year, he was chosen to serve as the second-ever Mr. New Denver, in a program that is usually only open to females. Over the summer, he has been working at their local visitor info center. He plans to attend Selkirk College for Digital Arts to pursue a career as a professional logo designer and digital artist.

Until recently, Ethan has been the senior student in the local karate club, currently holding a blue belt. He has also served on his school’s student counsel multiple times and was part of the society that helped form their local youth center. In his free time, Ethan enjoys building and repairing computers, collecting retro video games, and recreational sports. One day, he would like to travel to Europe to see some of his favourite bands in their home countries. The best piece of advice he can give is: “Don’t be afraid to express yourself, no matter what others think. If your smile shines, people stop looking at you funny for wearing makeup.”

Lucerne Association for Community Learning BOX 208, NEW DENVER, BC V0G 1S0

Congratualations

CONGRATULATIONS

Ethan Grierson

ETHAN GRIERSON

for doing your community proud.

for taking our program to a new height.

Slocan Lake Arena Society

New Denver Royalty Committee

PO Box 445, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0

©Merritt Herald 2015

Box 384, New Denver, BC V0G 1S0

— 13 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

All in A Year

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 14 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all BC Ambassador Candidates and their families.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week

For all your floral needs pre-order your bouquet call our floral department: 250-378-5564 Ext. #9652 Floral department hours: 9 am - 1 pm Daily Please order your flowers by Wednesday for Friday pickup

250-378-5564 ©Merritt Herald 2015

Find us at the Railyard Mall (Garcia St.) — 15 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

2015 BC ambassador candidate

Wine Capital of Canada

Kelsey-Lee Launier Oliver

Kelsey is a 19-year-old student entering her second year at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. Originally from Oliver, Kelsey enjoys fine arts and is studying theatre and working towards her bachelor of arts degree. She is involved with both the improv club and the theatre department in general. After being an Oliver Ambassador in 20132014, she found the program benefits and opportunities so rewarding that she decided to take the next step in running for B.C. Kelsey finds the personal gain from helping others to be extremely rewarding, and hopes to continue her volunteer efforts in the future. One piece of advice she would give the audience is that things are only impossible because someone hasn’t figured it out yet, so never give up, and keep reaching for the stars.

KELSEY-LEE LAUNIER for

BC Ambassador 2015 Mayor Ron Hovanes and Council for the Town of Oliver and all the residents of greater Oliver are proud to support past Oliver Ambassador Kelsey-Lee Launier in her bid for the title of BC Ambassador.

Kelsey is a dedicated volunteer, a great youth citizen, and Oliver is proud of her accomplishments. We look forward to Kelsey taking on bigger challenges in the future.

Go for it Kelsey!

Ron Hovanes, Mayor and Council for the Town of Oliver

from the Oliver Lions and Lioness Club Best of Luck to Kelsey with thanks for all you help us with.

We are so proud of your courage and drive, Kelsey.

Your dedication and volunteerism are outstanding.

Best of luck!

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 16 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

CONGRATULATIONS

2015 BC ambassador candidate

Latasha Webster Lytton

Shoot for the stars Latasha Webster

Latasha plans on returning to NVIT in the fall to take up social work.

Over the summer, she worked at a local drop-in centre. Her interests are

Congratulations from

spending time with family and friends, traveling to powwows and going camping. Latasha has been involved with local bingo and different raffles

everyone at the Lytton

in her community. One thing that Latasha would like to experience, even if it was just once, would be to travel to Paris. One piece of advice that

Ambassador Program.

Latasha would like to share would be to never give up on something you truly believe in. Follow your heart and it will lead you to your destiny.

We are all very proud of you.

LYTTON ABORIGINAL

-:550/ "#03*(*/"- RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM 3&4503"5*7& +645*$& 130(3".

Providing Options, Solutions and Choices for a Better Future.

Lytton’s Latasha Webster Congratulations Tasha!!!

LYTTON FIRST NATION

We are thrilled to be sponsoring Latasha! When she was a Lytton Ambassador in 2012, she was painfully shy, but she forced herself to step up and shine! Latasha continues to step out of her comfort zone! Latasha is currently working as a Youth Drop In worker which gives her valuable experience as she has chosen a path for her career that will definitely be beneficial to her and the people she serves through the Social Work Program at NVIT! Latasha has a quality of strength and loyalty that we all can hope to achieve in our lifetime. She treasures her family and friends above all else and has their full support as well as the support in our community.

Best of Luck to you Latasha, we are proud of you no matter what!

Leesa Van Peteghen Restorative Justice & Prevention Program Manager.

Lytton First Nation

©Merritt Herald 2015

— 17 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

2015 BC ambassador candidate

Congratulations!

Mary-Margret Batyi Lake Cowichan

Mary-Margret is a resident of Cowichan Lake and has lived in the small town of Honeymoon Bay since 2008. Living in such a small community has provided Mary with many volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles. She was a Lady of the Lake First Princess in 2011, a Toastmasters’ youth leader, a Youth Health educator for “Most Kids Don’t” and now, a B.C. Ambassador candidate. Along with her two jobs, Mary also has a passion for deaf studies and is planning to enroll in the American Sign Language interpreting program at Douglas College in the near future. Mary is devoted to many interests, one of which is learning new languages. Currently she is putting time towards learning French, French Sign Language and Braille. Mary’s one piece of advice to the audience is a quote from her inspiration, Audrey Hepburn: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life, to be happy; it’s all that matters.”

MARY

BATYI 8& 8*4) :06 "-- 5)& #&45 0' -6$, 5)*4 8&&,

-PWF -BEZ PG UIF -BLF 4PDJFUZ

Mary -Margret Batyi

WE LOVE YOU and are so very proud Mom & Dad Gma & Gpa and all the family

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 18 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

2015 BC ambassador candidate

Rachael teBulte Castlegar

Rachael is 18 years old and recently graduated from Stanley Humphries Secondary School. She was honoured to represent her community as Miss Castlegar Princess in 2014. Rachael is excited to attend Selkirk College in September. She is passionate about field hockey, basketball, downhill skiing, swimming and reading. She also enjoys travelling and loved the whole new world that opened up to her during a six-week trip to Kenya.

Rachael Tebulte

Rachael also enjoys working with and coaching children. One thing Rachael would like to leave with you is: “Every challenge is an inspiration to live your dreams.”

Sutco wishes you all the best with your future!

You have done an amazing job at representing BC as well your community!

8561 Highway 6, Salmo, BC • www.sutco.ca • 250.357.2612

Congratulations

Rachael

We are very proud of you and all you have accomplished.

Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all youth in our community.

We wish you every success.

Good luck!

Castlegar

Queen Committee

©Merritt Herald 2015

— 19 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

2015 BC ambassador candidate

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

-William Shakespeare

Téa Hartfield Keremeos

We are very proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

Téa is 17 years old and lives in Olalla, B.C. She currently attends high school in Keremeos at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School. After graduating in 2016, she plans to attend Okanagan College for the esthetics program in order to work at a wellness spa. Téa works as an on call firefighter for the Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department. She loves the training for firefighting and also working on construction projects with her dad. Téa enjoys volunteering at community events, either with the ambassadors or the fire department. Something Téa would love to try at least once would be smoke-jumping for a forestry crew during the summer fire season. One piece of advice she would give would be: “Challenge yourself to do something new, something that scares you or makes you nervous. It may lead you to the best experience ever!”

Love Mom, Dad, Ethan, Grandma & Grandpa Croutch

eos m e er Village of K

.keremeos.ca w w w

Congratulations to

Téa Hartfield

Good luck with the BC Ambassador Program Best Wishes from Mayor Manfred Bauer & the Keremeos and area Ambassadors 2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 20 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

Tess

Tess

We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

You have blessed our lives, and have inspired so many others on your Ambassador journey with your beautiful smile, generous heart, and strong spirit. We wish you much success and happiness always as you continue to make all your dreams come true!

Thanks for being a great role model.

Wishing you success in ever ything you do!

Love you so ver y much, Brandon

©Merritt Herald 2015

Love you Mom and Dad xoxo

— 21 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

5IBOL ZPV 5FTT GPS CFJOH TVDI BO FYDFMMFOU SFQSFTFOUBUJWF PG ,BNMPPQT

2015 BC ambassador candidate

Tess Russell Kamloops

Tess has always believed in following her dreams. She is currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree, starting her second year in the fall. Her ultimate goal would be to work in the medical field with premature babies.

Tess shares her love of music by singing for her church youth choir. She also enjoys sports and plays in a women’s soccer league. Volunteering in her community is an important part of Tess’s life. Having completed many hours of community service, she has made a difference, learning to serve and working for a cause. Tess’s greatest passion is to travel; it has given her the opportunity to experience many cultures around the world and the desire to want to explore more. Family is the most important part of Tess’s life. She is a big sister to her brother Brandon and is grateful for her family, who inspires and brings out the best in her. Tess truly believes everyone should live by the quote, “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.� -Oprah Winfrey.

:PV BSF BO JOTQJSBUJPO BOE BO BNB[JOH SPMF NPEFM UP UIF ZPVUI 8F BSF FYUSFNFMZ QSPVE PG ZPV 5FTT BOE XF TVQQPSU ZPV JO BMM UIBU ZPV EP

4JODFSFMZ UIF ,BNMPPQT "NCBTTBEPS 4PDJFUZ

Photo courtesy of Tourism Kamloops/Kelly Funk

Tess,

We are very proud of your achievements and your perseverance for the betterment of our community.

We are confident that you will achieve success in all of your future endeavours.

Best of luck in the 2015 BC Ambassador Program.

From Mayor

Milobar, City Council, and the Citizens of Kamloops

www.kamloops.ca

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 22 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

2015 BC ambassador candidate

WE CONGRATULATE

Viveka Jensen OSOYOOS

Viveka is going to attend UNBC in Prince George. Her educational goals are to complete a bachelor of arts then a PhD in anthropology to become a forensic anthologist. She then wants to travel around the world for her studies, and later become a professor once she has gained experience and completed her degrees. Viveka is a part time waitress at a family restaurant, and plans to pick up more jobs in the summer. Viveka’s future work goals consist of internships or work experience related to her area of study while going to school, before starting a steady career. Viveka has a variety of interests, some of which are reading, art, videogames, photography, history, makeup, exploring and hiking. She is not involved in any clubs or charities at the moment, but has been volunteering as a BC Ambassador candidate, as part of her local royalty program, and as part of her school during her graduation year. She hopes to be able to join clubs and other organizations sometime later. Viveka would like to experience many different things, like skydiving and parasailing. Another thing she would like to experience is 10 minutes of fame. A piece of advice from Viveka in the form of a quote: “We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do.� Samuel Smiles. You have to try and fail before you know what you can and cannot do, jump at every opportunity to find your limit.

Viveka Jensen FOR TAKING ON THIS CHALLENGE. MAY EVERY NEW EXPERIENCE HELP YOU GROW INTO THE PERSON YOU DREAM OF BEING!

OSOYOOS ROYALTY COMMITTEE

Viveka,

Never say no to a good opportunity

Wishing you all the best & Good luck.

From Barb, Your Osoyoos Realtor.

Royal LePage Desert Oasis Realty 8512 Main St, Osoyoos, BC

BARB PASTERNAK REALTORÂŽ 250-485-8081 seebarb@gmail.com Call:

www.osoyoosrealestatehomes.com www.okanaganhomes.org Toll Free: 1-800-335-2606

We are excited to see which opportunities life brings you and so very proud of the ones you have already taken.

With love from your family

ŠMerritt Herald 2015

This oďŹƒce is independently owned and operated.

— 23 —

/

$' "&$ # $%&

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

/

' ( ! ) *+ " ) ,(

CONGRATS and GOOD LUCK

THE KIWANIS CLUB OF OLIVER has great pleasure in sponsoring

Kelsey-Lee Launier

Ethan Grierson

in the BC Ambassador Program.

We wish her much success in the program and in all her future endeavours.

SO PROUD OF OUR METAL HEAD, LOVE MOM AND DAD

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KOOTENAY WEST 2015 AMBASSADORS Rachael teBulte from Castlegar, Ethan Grierson from New Denver and 2014 Ambassador Cheyanne Friess from Trail.

RACHAEL TEBULTE

ETHAN GRIERSON

CHEYANNE FRIESS

Katrine Conroy, MLA

CONTACT INFORMATION:

TOLL FREE: 1-800-755-0556

KATRINE.CONROY.MLA@LEG.BC.CA • WWW.KATRINECONROY.CA

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 24 —

Kootenay West

Produced by the Merritt Herald

The Town of Osoyoos is pleased that Viveka Jensen and Chelsea Cameron-Horner are both running as BC Ambassador Candidates at the Provincial Event in Merritt BC. On behalf of Mayor, Council, Staff and Residents of the Town of Osoyoos, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for your commitment and hard work.

Viveka Jensen

Chelsea Cameron-Horner

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS.

www.osoyoos.ca

Congratulations Rachael On behalf of Mayor Chernoff, City Council and the citizens of Castlegar we wish you the best of luck in the BC Ambassador Program and all your future endeavours.

Congratulations and good luck Rachael!

©Merritt Herald 2015

— 25 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

Autographs

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

— 26 —

Produced by the Merritt Herald

Leave a Note...

©Merritt Herald 2015

— 27 —

2015 British Columbia Ambassador Program

City of Merritt

e m o c l e W BAILLIE HOUSE VISITOR CENTRE

HISTORIC MERRITT, Situated in the scenic Nicola Valley, Merritt is easily accessible through a network of major highways that keep the city connected to major centres while preserving its mixture of rural living with urban amenities. Whether it’s outdoor adventure or the ease of modern country living that brings you to Merritt, it’s the beauty of the city and the friendliness of those who inhabit it that are sure to keep you coming back.

NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

ADDRESS: 2250 VOGHT STREET MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

ADDRESS: 1675 TUTIL COURT MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

CONTACT: (250) 378-0349

CONTACT: (250) 378-4145

VISIT: www.bailliehouse.com

VISIT: www.nicolavalleymuseum.org

BUSINESS HOURS OPEN EVERY DAY FROM MAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 30 TUESDAY - SATURDAY FROM OCTOBER 1 TO APRIL 30

SUMMER BUSINESS HOURS MONDAY: 10 AM - 3 PM, TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9AM-5PM, CLOSED SUN. VISIT US ONLINE FOR WINTER HOURS

MERRITT CIVIC CENTRE

NICOLA VALLEY MEMORIAL ARENA

ADDRESS: 1950 MAMETTE AVENUE MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

ADDRESS: 2040 MAMETTE AVENUE MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

CONTACT: (250) 315-1050

CONTACT: (250) 378-4832

VISIT: www.merritt.ca

VISIT: www.merritt.ca

BUSINESS HOURS MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 9 AM - 5 PM

HOME TO THE MERRITT CENTENNIALS ONLINE GAME SCHEDULE WWW.MERRITTCENTENNIALS.COM

NICOLA VALLEY AQUATIC CENTRE

CLAYBANKS R.V. PARK

ADDRESS: 2040 MAMETTE AVENUE MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

ADDRESS: 1302 VOGHT STREET MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

CONTACT: (250) 378-6662

CONTACT: (250) 378-6441 or claybanks@merritt.ca

VISIT: www.merritt.ca BUSINESS HOURS .0/%": 50 '3*%": ". 1. r 4"5 ". 1. r 46/ 1.

VISIT: www.claybanksrv.ca BUSINESS HOURS OPEN YEAR ROUND

VISIT WWW.MERRITT.CA