Queen Silver Star Program In Danger Of Ending

Jul 19, 2018 | 7:35 PM

L-R: Celine Grosch and Kyla Henry (past candidates now on Queen’s Committee) along with Mackenzie Kuziw (Princess Silver Star) and Angitha Mriduraj (Queen Silver Star) take part in media conference at Winter Carnival office (Pete McIntyre/Beach Radio photo)

Vernon’s Queen Silver Star program is hoping its 58th Queen is not the last one.

The program is at a crossroads, and may have to disband if more candidates don’t come forward.

Winter Carnival vice-chair Martin Von Holst says they need a minimum of 10 candidates, and right now they have 4 or 5.

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“We’re really here to reach out to the community and make one last ditch effort, do we have an opportunity to find more candidates? If you have young ladies in your life who may be interested in this, we’re here to give them information that may open the doors where they might look at it and consider becoming a part of it,” Von Holst told a media conference.

Current Queen Silver Star Angitha Mriduraj feels the program plays an important role for young women.

“It has taught me a lot of skills such as my self confidence. It’s definitely been boosted through the Toastmasters, and also you’re really pushed into the community which really helps you work your connections. And in the future, it’s also really good on applications and resumes. It impacts all aspects of a young lady.”

Silver Star Princess Mackenzie Kuziw says the candidates are involved in many community events.

“You do so many different things, and it really does show your community how much you care.”

Celine Grosch, a former candidate who is now on the Queen’s Committee, says she learned more than she thought she would.

“It’s not just a fashion show, a talent show or the proclamation. There is so many other things you can learn and gain from, that you won’t really get anywhere else.”

Kyla Henry, former candidate and current committee member, says candidates have a chance to land scholarships.

“There are a wide variety of scholarships available. If you’re accepted as a queen or princess, you get a scholarship, but there is also ones for the essay award or the knowledge award.”

The program is for girls aged 15 to 18 from around the North Okanagan.

The deadline has been extended to the end of July.

Anyone interested can get more information on the Winter Carnival website.

by Corey Fischer