Three well-spoken young women delivered speeches Thursday evening about the virtues of their respective agricultural divisions, in hopes of being named this year’s Shawville Fair Ambassador.
Molly Dowe, Khloe Drummond and Grace Kelly were the three candidates for this year’s crown. After a suspenseful period of deliberation from the judges, it was Dowe who was chosen as this year’s recipient.
Dowe, a 15-year-old student at Pontiac High School, was representing the 4-H division. As a member of the Shawville 4-H Club for the past nine years, she said she chose to represent 4-H because of all the skills she’s learned through the club throughout her years showing dairy calves.
“It has taught me how to work as a team, take charge and help people, and give back to the community,” she said in the speech.
She added that 4-H has also taught her the important skill of being able to speak in front of a crowd – something she does at every club meeting when she is asked to answer questions aloud in front of her peers.
“I’m a very shy person. I never would have spoken in front of a crowd if it wasn’t for 4-H,” she told
THE EQUITY the day after her victory.
This year, ambassador program organizers Hayley and Holly Campbell said contestants were asked to bring physical objects up to the podium that represented their respective journeys in agriculture.
While another competitor chose to bring a prize ribbon, Dowe said her strategy was a bit different. Her object was a show halter – a headpiece used to lead and present livestock in exhibitions and conformation classes.
“Many people would look at this halter and think it’s just a piece of leather. But to me, it represents hard work, dedication and trust,” she said in her speech.
“I don’t see it as a tool to lead an animal, I see many practice sessions, a lot of perseverance, patience and an unbreakable bond with my calf.
[ . . . ] This halter shows a story of many challenges a showperson goes to when showing an animal.”
Dowe said evidently the skills she has learned in 4-H have paid off, especially the public speaking skills which came in handy in the competition. When asked how it felt to win, she offered a simple response.
“It was such a wonderful feeling.”
Holly Campbell, who has been organizing the ambassador program alongside her sister Hayley for the past 10 years, said the contestants were judged for different elements of their speeches, including how they represented their divisions as well as broader context about the Fair and agriculture more broadly.
“We wanted to see the importance of Canadian agriculture incorporated into their speech as well, and of course that new bonus piece of an object that is meaningful to them,” she said, adding that all three contestants exemplified those values.
Dowe encouraged those in the audience to visit 4-H members at this year’s Fair to learn more about their projects. She said she hopes that more kids will get involved in 4-H to keep the agricultural tradition alive.
“You will see the passion and pride each member has, and maybe even stop by the barn. We’d be happy to tell you all about our projects and answer any questions you may have.”
Holly Campbell said they enjoy organizing the contest every year to encourage youth participation in the fair, and also to throw the spotlight on different divisions of the fair.
Both sisters said they hoped the youth involvement would lead to those same youth coming back in their adult years to be more involved with the fair, serving on the board and providing “fresh ideas”.
“Celebrating this tradition is one thing, but keeping the Fair momentum is important too. It’s great to have these younger folks stepping up,” Hayley said.
