The Cowichan Lake Ambassador program has been making young women feel like royalty since 1945, when the community saw its first Lumber Queen.
Several were crowned Lady of the Lake before it was re-branded to the Cowichan Lake Ambassador program, which became gender inclusive in 2023. The program has introduced their six new candidates and the winners will be announced during the Lake Day festivities at Saywell Park on June 8, at 4 p.m.
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This year’s candidates are: Melissa Bell, sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 210, Riley Warren, sponsored by the Lake Cowichan Kin, Rosaline Martin, sponsored by RE/MAX Generation, Lily Viviers, sponsored by Lake Cowichan Country Grocer, Bella Robinson, sponsored by A&W, and Taia Davis who is sponsored by the Lake Cowichan Lions. All candidates must be in Grade 11 and live in one of the Cowichan Lake communities.
“The Ambassador team participates in various events locally as well as throughout the province,” said society president and program coordinator Jocelyn Lundberg. “The program is a great opportunity for the young people who participate in it to learn valuable skills that will benefit them as they head in to their post-secondary education and careers.”
Ambassadors recently hosted the annual “Enchanted Movie Night” at Lake Cowichan School on April 19. The team will also be attending various upcoming fundraising events such as the Kristal Mayo Memorial Walk in May, and will participate in the local festivities for Canada Day.
The difference that these young people make in the community leaves a lasting impression, and hopefully the experiences and memories they make will last a lifetime.
“The program means different things to different people,” said Lundberg. “They all have their own unique reasons for participating, so whatever that may be I hope they leave with a sense of pride and accomplishment.”