First male youth ambassador

Photo: Contributed

West Kelowna has crowned its first male youth ambassador.

Mount Boucherie Secondary School student Carson Bidewell was named ambassador during the West Kelowna Youth Ambassador Program pageant at Westbank Lions Community Hall.

Bronwyn Shardelow, 14, will serve as female ambassador.

“It was fabulous, it was a full house,” said organizer Ricki Morin.

Morin says her son questioned why men couldn't be a part of these types of events in the early 1990s, so she changed it from a princess title to ambassador role.

“I was the first person to elect a male ambassador in 1994 in Peachland. I changed the whole program around,” said Morin.

“Carson Bidewell is now the first male ambassador for the City of West Kelowna.”

This is just the second year for the West Kelowna ambassador program. 

Training includes public speaking, interview techniques, etiquette and even basic mechanics.

“They are absolutely wonderful, each one of the 14 candidates could have had the title, no question,” said Morin.

First vice-ambassador is Emilie Soucy, and second vice-ambassador is Grace Greening. Jaylin Rees was named Miss Congeniality.

The ambassadors will represent West Kelowna around the province as well as volunteer at community events.

To learn more about the program, check out the West Kelowna Youth Ambassador Program website here.