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And the winners are…
By Brenda Ann Babinski
Friday, June 19, marked a milestone in Cranbrook’s history. The annual Sam Steele Youth Ambassador Pageant was held at the Key City Theatre, marking 50 years that this event has been a part of our community.
Started in 1965 by Karin Penner and Miggs Sawchuk, the Sweetheart pageant has provided an excellent program for young women in our community to become more involved in volunteerism, build confidence and leadership, learn about our colourful history and to form friendships that last a lifetime. With more than 140 past participants attending last night’s sold out pageant, the results have never been more apparent.
The evening began with a video presentation looking back through the years. The retrospective was both funny and heartfelt. Program founder Karin Penner shared her memories and insights from her 50 years of involvement.
Mrs. Penner has mentored 413 (plus) youth ambassador candidates in the past half century, keeping the program going strong and making it a viable, important part of our community. Candidates past and present offered gratitude to Karin for her outstanding leadership, dedication and generosity.
This year’s candidates performed the opening number with a very special surprise guest. Candice Fiorentino was the only Sweetheart candidate in the history of the program to achieve a standing ovation for her talent performance.
As a special surprise to Mrs. Penner, and a delighted audience, Fiorentino reprised her role, belting out the Broadway hit All That Jazz, with the current Youth Ambassador contestants dancing along.
True to history, the number got another rousing, enthusiastic standing ovation.
Christy Pick and Jason Wheeldon were the hosts for the evening. Their relaxed and witty banter entertained the crowd and kept the show moving smoothly.
Speeches were delivered and the Youth Ambassador candidates regaled us with stories ranging from Guy Fawkes day, to the importance of family (though a family of four seemed to be preferred to a family of five), diversity and acceptance, the secret powers of red heads, and the art of being clumsy. The speeches were well received, a tribute to the hard work the young women have put in working with the dedicated volunteers at Toastmasters: Kathleen Simon and Midge Taylor.
Dancing, skiing, singing and clowning around kept the audience laughing, rapt and entertained as the talent presentations flowed seamlessly. Daneri Ensign, Sarah Ferguson, Caylee Lazar, Kelsey Ackert and Katie Grady represented themselves beautifully in all aspects of the pageant and their polished, practiced speeches and talents were a testament to the months of hard work and preparation for the evening’s pageant.
The Sam Steele gown presentation and impromptu questions rounded out the first part of the pageant. The dresses, a grand tradition, are each unique in design and custom built for the contestants. They represent the proud history of the 1890s that are celebrated during Sam Steele days. This year’s contestants chose a variety of styles and fabrics that complemented each individual personality. Elegant and self-assured, each contestant answered the impromptu question with poise and fluidity.
The culmination of months of hard work finally came to a close. Awards were announced and crowns were passed from outgoing Ambassadors, Sweetheart Devon Kennedy and Princess Kendall Bostock.
Congratulations to all the contestants and to the winners:
Sweetheart of Sam Steele – Kelsey Ackert
Princess of Sam Steele – Sarah Ferguson
People’s Choice Award – Kelsey Ackert
Toastmaster Public Speaking Award – Kelsey Ackert
Talent Award – Caylee Lazar
Community Awareness Award – Kelsey Ackert
And congratulations to the many volunteers, dedicated community members and most especially to Mrs. Karin Penner for 50 years of grace, elegance, confidence and leadership.
The City of Cranbrook has been enriched and well represented at home and abroad by the Youth Ambassadors of the Sweetheart program.
Sweetheart of Sam Steele Kelsey Ackert and Princess of Sam Steele Sarah Ferguson are sure to continue this wonderful tradition in the coming year.
Lead image: Sarah crowned Princess of Sam Steele by Kendall and Renee Newhouse.
Photos by Brenda Ann Babinski
