A young voice for Bridgetown

By Carolyn Sloan

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Giving young people the opportunity to participate in public life is at the heart of a new program, geared toward youth who are willing to serve and promote their community.

Last Friday, Grade 11 students at Bridgetown Regional High School gathered in the school library to learn about the Bridgetown and Area Youth Ambassador program, initiated by the town and the Bridgetown and Area Chamber of Commerce.

According to the program’s originator, Judy Marshall, the ambassador role was created due to the lack of youth representation in the town. While normally this role is fulfilled by the town’s Apple Blossom princess, local businesses and organizations have been struggling in the past few years to find young women interested in the pageant.

“It all kind of started with the fact that we were unable to get a princess,” says Marshall. “This year, it’s the 25th anniversary of Ciderfest, and it seemed a shame not to have a youth representing our town.”

She explains that with the pageant, the 19-year old candidates are expected to begin their role during the fall, just when most of them are starting college or university. As such, it’s been a huge commitment on the part of those involved.

Yet, despite these challenges, Marshall emphasizes that the intention of the new program is not to replace the pageant, but to augment the role of youth within the community.

“We need someone that promotes the town through the eyes of the youth,” she explains. “This is a brand new program geared toward youth. It’s not replacing the Apple Blossom.”

The ambassador position is open to both young men and women who are enthusiastic and already involved in a variety of activities within their school and community. Interested students apply in their junior year of high school, though the successful candidate will fulfill the role throughout their senior year.

Applicants are interviewed and given the opportunity for public speaking and public interaction, which is subject to the judging process throughout the summer. The final selection will be made during the Ciderfest celebrations in the fall, and the winner will receive a $1000 scholarship from the town, a $500 scholarship from the chamber of commerce, and a chain of office.

In addition to representing the town at local events like the Bridgetown Triathlon and Winterfest, the youth ambassador would also play a role in other town festivals and activities throughout the Valley.

“I love that they’re going to be outside of Bridgetown representing,” says Cathy Graves, who spoke to students on Friday as a representative of the chamber of commerce. “I’m really liking the idea that they’re here for the year [as well].”