Moira Young was crowned Miss New Westminster 2020 from the comforts of her Queensborough home.
In a first for the Hyack Ambassador program, the awarding of the Miss New Westminster title took place virtually in front of an audience on Zoom. After completing their training in March, Hyack Ambassador candidates learned the planned Evening of Stars award gala at Douglas College in April would be cancelled because of COVID-19.
“It was incredibly disheartening, as the girls had worked so hard throughout the year developing their leadership and presentation skills,” program coordinator Deb Wardle said in a news release. “We decided as an organizing committee to find a way to honour and reward our candidates, while still keeping them, their families and guests safe.”
The organizing committee adapted the 49th gala to be an online event, which included a socially-distanced delivery of prizes and materials for the five candidates to be installed as this year’s New Westminster Hyack Ambassador leadership team by their families at home.
“The online event received overwhelming support, as hundreds of guests logged on to watch, maxing out the Zoom call’s capacity,” said a press release from the program. “As the first ambassador program in British Columbia to host their festivities online, the New Westminster Hyack Ambassador leadership program paves a new way for programs across the province.”
Joining Moira Young (Miss New Westminster 2020) as this year’s Hyack Ambassadors are: Tianna Beaudoin (Hyack Princess); Ashley Choi (Miss Friendship); Laura Solkoski; and Alyssa Choi.
All members of the 2020 Hyack Ambassadors received a variety of scholarships for their participation in the program. A number of community members provided video messages to the young women taking part in this year’s program.
A recording of the event will be available on YouTube, under New Westminster Hyack Ambassadors, for those who were unable to watch the weekend’s event. Applications for the 2021 Hyack Ambassador leadership program are now available online at www.hyackfestival.com.
