The four 2012 Stampede Queen contestants recently wrapped up their work with the Williams Lake Toastmasters and delivered their speeches to the judges.
What follows are snippets from the contestant's speeches provided by Stampede Queen committee member Sharon MacDonald.
What goes around comes around
Terris Billyboy
Miss Boitanio Mall
We all know the famous saying, “What goes around comes around.”
If this is true we would all be best to practice random acts of kindness.
Simple gestures can brighten someone’s day.
When it takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 muscles to smile, a modest act can lighten someone’s burden. Karma, destiny, kismet, luck or coincidence, helping others is always a good omen.
Just a few weekends ago, at the Williams Indoor Rodeo, I found myself very touched by a random act of kindness.
While walking to the parking lot, I heard the sound of my name and turned to find a lady calling me. She approached me with a beautiful hand-beaded necklace. She told me she had run for Stampede Queen and knew how much work went into running for the title.
She wanted to show her support by giving me the necklace. I was so taken by her kindness I could only find the words “thank you.”
Random acts of kindness are a simple philosophy.
One good deed deserves another. An elderly lady gets a flat tire, unsure of how to change the tire, when a young man pulls over and changes the tire for her. She is grateful and offers $100.
The young man declines and tells her to “pay it forward.” She carries on and stops at a restaurant to eat; her waitress is pregnant and dead tired on her feet, but still smiles and offers friendly conversation.
When the waitress picks up the bill she finds money to pay for the meal, plus $100 as a tip. Alongside is a note that says “Pay if forward.”
When the waitress went home her husband tells her about helping an elderly lady change a flat tire, she tried to pay him but he said no, “Pay it forward” and she tells her husband about her day and the $100 tip. They could now afford to pay one of the outstanding bills. Karma made sure that the man was rewarded.
Whether you believe in Pay it forward, Karma, or destiny, take any situation presented to you to practice random acts of kindness.
After all, none of us really know what the future has in store for us.
•••
So What's Your Favorite Song?
Christina Walsh
Miss Overlander/Ramada Hotel
Close your eyes and think of your favourite song. Is it your favourite because you like the artist, is it because you like the melody, or is it just because you like the lyrics? Since an early age we have all been exposed to music. It doesn’t matter what the singing is about; it gives us a new perspective on life.
Music is used to help us learn and remember important things. Remember Patty Cake? The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round? These are just a few childhood songs we memorized as little kids. (I bet you are singing them now in your head aren’t you?)
People can use music for getting through rough times, healing, meditation, company and entertainment.
Music can bring out hidden emotions or give advice.
Having a Newfoundland background, at family gathering we would always crank up the newfie tunes and sing along.
Starting our own singing group my cousins, sister and I called ourselves the “Newfie Squid Jiggers.”
We sang songs our grandpa taught us and sometimes a little bit of the Back Street Boys and Shania Twain. Even though we sang off key and forgot the words or giggled though the whole thing.
We were the entertainment and always the hit of the party.
Weather you live music or not it is still one of those things that you find yourself following, young or old no matter your age.
So what is your favourite song?
•••
Welcome to Williams Lake the Hub of the Cariboo
Michelle Ball
Miss Gustafson's Dodge
I would like to share with you the city that we all call home.
From ranching to tourism, there are many amazing aspects the Cariboo has to offer.
In 1929 the Village of Williams Lake became incorporated, agriculture being one of the earliest industries in the Cariboo, and it grew as a cattle town, where today there are more than 43,000 head of cattle sold and shipped through the stock yards.
In 1997 Williams Lake was honoured by the Forestry Capital title and again in 2004. We are home to major lumber manufacturing companies and numerous smaller companies. The log home building, millings, logging and trucking provide a large employment base for those who reside here.
Mining has been part of the Cariboo for many years. Today we have major mines in the area, and these mines produce copper, molybdenum and gold, supporting business in our communities.
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has been referred to as “the land without limits” with every kind of terrain and climates. There are multiple opportunities to enjoy activities in all four seasons.
Whether you like the thrilling action of scenic rivers, or riding trails, to the calm ways of golfing or cross country skiing, Williams Lake can offer it all.
The winters may be cold but with the heart-pounding excitement of snowboarding and tobogganing the adventure never ends. For those who don’t enjoy the cold barring winters, our summers are perfect for you.
We can enjoy our surrounding lakes and rivers, sports and all. If our weather is not for you, take a tour of the Station House Gallery, visit our Tourism Discovery Centre and check out our beautiful Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin, home of the B.C. Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Did I mention, we are the home of the world-famous Williams Lake Stampede? Eighty-six years of roaring rodeo action. From the energy of the competitors to the taste of pancake breakfast we have it all — parades, street party, and friendly visitors, from the power of the mountain race, and all the suspense building up to the intensity of the bull riding that captures your full attention.
Williams Lake is full of many opportunities whether they are employment, education, recreation, or if you’re just exploring our town. We are always happy to show you around.
•••
Musical Inspiration
Alexis Forseille
Miss Lake Excavating
It gives us the words we lack and the inspiration we need to help guide us through a busy world.
“Life is one grand sweet song, so start the music,” Ronald Reagan.
Music has been a part of my life since the day I was born.
In a way you can say I am addicted to the lyrics since I cannot go a day without listening to music and singing along.
Over the years I have discovered some of the greatest advice comes from song lyrics. At times I feel as though these lyrics are often listened to, but forgotten as another hit song is played on our radio or Ipod.
As my journey in life is constantly accelerating in a new and exciting direction, I find it suiting to tell you of the encouragement I have used that has helped place me here today.
“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.” Never stop questioning what is beyond the horizon.
“I hope you get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger.” I am not talking about food, I am talking about filling yourself with happiness and love but never losing your hunger to gain more.
"May you never take a single breath for granted.” Enjoy every moment of every day since we never know when the last day may be.
“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.” No matter how large your life may become you must remember to stay grounded and this will help you remember your place on Earth.
“As one door closes I hope one more opens.” Remind yourself that as one chapter of your life ends another new and exciting chapter begins. You are the writer of your own story.
Lastly, “I hope you dance.” Find the rhythm of life and dance to it. Move to the beat and swing with the changes. Take risks,.
“Have a little faith, a little luck, a little love, dream, believe.” and dance!
Song lyrics have a unique way of singing advice that everyone can use.
All lyrics influence each of us differently.
Take the time to follow any inspiration you find in music. It empowers us to better ourselves, and set our goals high.
The best things around that I have ever seen came from small towns and big dreams.