We all hear the saying “time flies,” and that is exactly what I would use to express my emotions in reflection upon my year as the 2011 Williams Lake Stampede Queen.
For those who I haven’t yet got the chance to meet, my name is Davana Mahon, although before receiving my title, my journey started as Miss Macon Construction.
It is here in a young girl’s life I believe you find yourself growing into another person, maturing and gaining confidence.
Possibly the best word to use is “blossoming” into a young woman.
We can’t forget the incredible group of women surrounding us, encouraging us and pushing us to excel in all aspects along the way. These women are our committee coordinator, and my hat goes off to them.
Without them I believe my fellow princesses and myself would be lost. After the contestant portion, when you receive your new title, it is truly a dream come true.
At the time you are unaware of all the things ahead of you.
If I was to discuss and share my experience from each trip, you would be reading a book, not a letter, as there is really no simple way to share each one of those life-learning, absolutely incredible experiences.
I will mention a few places we have been fortunate to attend such as Calgary, Edmonton, Quesnel, Smithers, and many, many more. Through my travels, I have met a large variety of people, as well as many of the ambassadors from surrounding communities, neighbouring provinces, and even a few different countries.
It is amazing to me all of the opportunities in meeting new friends, as they share some of their lives with you.
Possibly that is the best way for me to describe some of my travels.
Yet never forgetting the words incredible, life changing or most definitely fun!
Keeping in mind my experiences, none of this would have been even remotely possible, without our generous sponsors from loving and helping Williams Lake in the pursuit to help three young women excel along their journey.
We can’t thank them enough.
As for the many people I have met along the way, thank you for letting me into your life, and sharing your time with me.
As many of you are aware for 2011 there was not only a team, but a trio: “The Three Musketeers.”
I was lucky enough to be crowned along side Alexia Colton, and Bobi Bracewell, who have now become better known as my sisters.
Travelling alongside them created memories I will never forget, many stomach pains from simply laughing to hard, and life-long friendships.
In the future I am sure you will see them doing something incredible with their lives, maybe even the next man on the moon, as we should never underestimate two powerful and talented women such as them.
I also wish them the best of luck in their future that lies ahead of them.
With my reign as the 2011 Williams Lake Stampede Queen, coming to a close, I would like to address a group of four young women.
They are the contestants for 2012 Stampede Queen.
They have a lot of work and learning ahead of them, but I know when it’s all completed, they will be happy to have had that experience, and when the new royalty comes into reign, they will do a great job representing our home town.
They are all talented and smart, and I wish them the best in the competition.
Drawing to a close, I would again like to thank everyone, Bobi Bracewell and Alexia Colton, the many sponsors, including the Stampede Association and the City of Williams Lake, our co-ordinators including Jamie Tanis, and the many, many people who have helped to create an absolutely amazing year.
If I could do it all over again I would without even the blink of an eye.
Thank you for taking the time allowing me to share some of my feelings and thoughts as well as experiences as the Williams Lake Stampede Queen for 2011.