Cowichan Lake Ambassador candidates celebrate crowning achievement

Four young women had the chance to feel like princesses during Lake Days at Saywell Park on June 14 as they rocked tiaras, and sashes with flowers in hand as they were honoured for their crowning achievements in the Cowichan Lake Ambassador program. 

"Each candidate demonstrated exceptional determination, growth, and a genuine commitment to community service," said Lady of the Lake Society president Cara Herrington. 

This year the annual event made history as it was the first time since the program's inception that saw the crowning of two 2nd Princesses, Marlee McQuinn, and Desiree Stump, who was bestowed the Blossom Award sponsored by Remedy Salon.

"These two titles were crowned in no particular order and hold equal weight," said program coordinator Desiree Karlsen. "We are so fortunate to have all four of them moving into the ambassador role to represent our community of Cowichan Lake."

"Rather than narrowing recognition for the sake of tradition, we chose to celebrate and invest in the leadership potential of all four young women," said Herrington. "This decision wasn't about making an exception; it was about acknowledging that each of them had earned the opportunity to continue developing as ambassadors and role models within the beautiful communities that make up Cowichan Lake." 

The honour of being crowned 1st Princess went to Faith Smith who was honoured with the Evergreen Award sponsored by Hometown Heating and Cooling, the Sponsor Presentation Award sponsored by Island Quartz, and the Friendship Award sponsored by Pemberton Holmes.

The esteemed honour of being crowned Lady of the Lake (Cowichan Lake Ambassador) went to Lydia Court who received the Essay Award sponsored by Jayne and Bruce Ingram, the Miriam Coghlan Memorial Award sponsored by Angie Esthetics and the Lundberg family, and the Community Presentation Award sponsored by The Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce. 

"I'm proud to be the next Lady of the Lake and to follow in my sister's footsteps," said Court. "It means a lot to me to represent the town I know and love, and to be a role model to the children in our community and inspire the future candidates of this program."

Lydia Court is the sister of Lara Court, who won the title in 2023.

"We’re proud to support their journey and believe this strengthens the legacy and future of the program as an organization that is ever committed to providing a solid foundation for the youth of our community as they enter into the pivotal years of their lives as young adults," said Herrington.