The 2023 Cranbrook Youth Ambassador Team was crowned on Friday evening, as Zoey Stenersen was named Sweetheart and Elizabeth McLeod was named Princess during a showcase at the Key City Theatre.

Both will carry on the youth ambassadorship mantle from Jolene Julian-Hirn and Alyssa Davis.

The event was the culmination of this year’s Youth Ambassador Program, which featured eight candidates, including Destiny Simms, Kaitlyn Gauthier, Zoey Stenersen, Abby Ackinson, Elizabeth McLeod, Chenia Weng, Georgia Giesbrecht and Jaya Knight.

The Talent Award went to Chenia Weng for a flawless piano performance, while the Support a Sweetheart Prize went to Abby Ackinson. Kaitlyn Gauthier was the recipient of the $500 Community Awareness Scholarship, and Stenerson also received the Toastmasters Public Speaking Award.

On Saturday evening, Chris Hirn of Affordable Autoglass also generously announced each candidate would receive a $1,000 scholarship to further their future educational goals.

Over the course of the youth ambassador program, candidates receive lessons and training in financial budgeting, dining etiquette, public speaking and more.