Community Leader Awards

I booked Tuesday night off work so I could attend the 8th Annual Community Leader Awards held at the Surrey Arts Centre.

Two very important women in my life, Debbie and Donna, were being honoured at the reception for all of their hard work in running the White Rock Youth Ambassador Program, also known as the Miss White Rock Pageant.

They have helped dozens of youth over the years find their strengths, improve their self-esteem, acquire public speaking skills, and hone their etiquette and social skills. Having gone through the program, (Miss White Rock 2008), I can’t even begin to describe the impact they have both had on my life.

So I went to the reception, flowers in hand, to show my gratitude.

Now, both Debbie and Donna are full-grown women with kids in their 20s. Needless to say, it was a bit surprising to all of us when they received an honourable mention in the youth category.

But with all of the poise, dignity and grace they’d taught me and my fellow ambassadors back when I was a part of the WRYA, they accepted their award on stage, along with a six-year-old, and two high school students.

Ah, to be young.

Congratulations Debbie and Donna!

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@HayleyWoodin