The 2026 Cranbrook Youth Ambassador candidates were officially introduced Saturday night at the Youth Ambassador Banquet and Ball held at the Colombo Lodge.

The Ambassador Ball featured speeches from City of Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price and Spirit of the Rockies Society Chair Missy Besanger.

Though Saturday’s night’s gala was their official introduction, the candidates have been immersed in the program and community events since early December. They’ve been taking part in weekly learning sessions and have volunteered at the Lions Club Senior’s Light Up, Rotary Senior’s Christmas Dinner, Kinsmen Heritage Dinner and various events with their sponsors.

They were the top overall fundraising team in the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year Walk, collectively raising over $3,500, and team member Mia Milne was the top youth fundraiser.

 Some of the events they’ll be supporting in the coming weeks include the Rotary Gala and Auction, Kootenay Children’s Festival, and Seniors Tea. They’ll also be representing the city at community festivals in Trail and Castlegar.

They’ve started Toastmasters training and will be delivering prepared speeches at their Annual Dessert Auction on Tuesday, May 26 at the Eagles Hall.  Their year-end Showcase will be held Friday, June 19 in conjunction with the RockiesFest celebrations.

Lead image: Pictured from left to right: Kenzie Hert (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cranbrook), Sierra Scavo (sponsored by the Colombo Lodge), Keziah McKay (sponsored by Sunrise Rotary), Alice Teetaert (sponsored by 2Day FM), 2025 Vice Ambassador Avaiah Pelletier, 2025 Ambassador Kara Kakuno, Mia Milne (sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Fraternal Order of Eagles), Maisie Spowart (sponsored by the Cranbrook Lions Club), and Malia Lescanec (sponsored by East Kootenay Realty). Photo credit: Stephanie Moore Photo

Submitted

Article Share