This year marks the 50th Sweetheart of Sam Steele Youth Ambassador Pageant in Cranbrook and to recognize this significant milestone, the theme for this year’s Sam Steele Days is ‘50 Years of Heart.’

“The Sweetheart Youth Ambassador Program has been an integral part of the Sam Steele Days Community Festival and an outstanding program for our city’s young women. We all look forward to celebrating with them,” says Sam Steele Society representative, Laura Kennedy.

Fifty Years of Heart is the theme for the Sweetheart Program itself this year and all former candidates are being invited to take part in the celebrations in June.

“Over the past 50 years, the program has changed in many ways; however, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the amazing women who have been – and continue to be – a part of it,” says Sweetheart Program Assistant Loree Duczek. “We are inviting all of our former candidates to join us for Sam Steele Days weekend in June. From the pageant, where we will celebrate our 2015 youth ambassadors, to the parade and more, there are lots of fun things planned with a few surprises along the way!”

With 50 years in the community, the Sweetheart Program has a special place in Cranbrook’s History. Coordinator Karin Penner has been at the helm since day one.

“Karin truly believes in the youth of this community and has helped shape and inspire so many young ladies. For anyone to give 50 years to a volunteer program speaks to their commitment and passion and she will be so excited to welcome back many former candidates and catch up with them in June,” adds Duczek.

The Sweetheart Youth Ambassador Program is a self-development program for Grade 11 girls. The program is aimed at encouraging self-confidence, a greater understanding of the importance of community service and developing leadership skills. The participants in the program go through six months of training from January to June.

“We are very lucky to have a number of community members who volunteer to share their time and expertise with our team,” explains Duczek. “The candidates learn lifelong skills including public speaking, financial management/budgeting, time management, goal setting, interview skills, resume writing, etiquette and more. They also learn more about the City of Cranbrook, its history and economy and the Ktunaxa Nation and its history.”

In addition, candidates receive a WorldHost certificate and Toastmasters International Speechcraft certificate through the program.

“I went through the program years ago and continue to be a part of it because I truly believe the leadership skills and personal development candidates receive open doors of opportunity for their future,” adds Duczek.

Sam Steele Days will run June 18-21. The 50th Sweetheart of Sam Steele Youth Ambassador Pageant will be held Friday, June 19.

For more information visit: www.samsteeledays.org.

Sam Steele Society

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