Hello, my name is Kira Streloff. I am a 15-year-old grade 10 French Immersion student at Stanley Humphries Secondary School. I have lived in Castlegar almost all my life. I live with my mom (Melanie), my dad (Mark), my sister (Kyla), my two cats (Nitro and Diamond), and my dog (Chunk). I have been a gymnastics coach for a year and a half, teaching kids from five years to 13 years old my passion for gymnastics. I am also a very active member in my school’s Student Council. In my free time I enjoy getting cozy and reading a good book, playing with my dog and building and racing lawnmowers with my dad. In the future I would like to become a veterinarian. I joined the Miss Castlegar Program to push myself out of my comfort zone, to gain confidence and to learn public speaking. I’d like to thank Carol Sommerville as well as my sponsor, Rauni Naud and Sun Life.
Hi, my name is Soyun Lee. I’m 16 years old and a grade 10 student at Stanley Humphries Secondary School. I’m South Korean, I was born there and when I was four years old, I moved to Mexico and lived there for 10 years. Now I’ve been living in Castlegar for two years. I live with my mom and my little brother. My dad is currently working in Mexico. One of my favourite hobbies is singing and learning new instruments. I’ve learned guitar, piano, violin and I’m willing to learn even more. I’m currently an active member of Student Council, Mathcounts, Film Production Club, and a photographer and editor of our school Yearbook Club. I joined the Miss Castlegar Program to improve my public speaking and get involved in our community by volunteering at events and activities to show my passion for Castlegar. I also want to gain more self-confidence and connect with new people throughout this experience. Thanks to Carol Sommerville and my sponsor, West’s Fashions.
Hi, my name is Emily Peck. I am 16 years old and in grade 11 at Stanley Humphries Secondary School. I moved to Castlegar in 2020 to be closer to family. I live in Kinnaird with my mom, dad, sister and two dogs. In my free time, I love to read, ski, bake, listen to music, watch T.V., sing and spend time with my family. I’ve recently joined the Castlegar Rotary Interact Club to be active in my community and make connections within the community I call home. When I graduate, I am going to pursue a post-secondary education and work towards a science degree. I joined the Miss Castlegar program to gain confidence, learn how to not be afraid of public speaking, have fun, make friends and learn valuable lessons. I am a very introverted person when it comes to large groups of people, and I associate myself with the word “clumsy” more than “graceful.” I would like to thank Carol Sommerville as well as my sponsors, Rotary and Sunrise Rotary.
Hello, my name is Lauren Lafreniere. I am 15 years old and currently in grade 10 at Stanley Humphries Secondary School. I moved back to the Kootenays with my mom, dad, two younger brothers and three dogs after eight years in Langley, B.C. Over the past few years, I have taken advantage of the amazing area by hiking, swimming, kayaking and camping with my friends and family. I have been active in minor hockey for three years with the Rebels and Wildcats. I am an active member of Student Council and currently hold the position of Junior Liaison. In my spare time I enjoy walking my dogs, doing art and watching local hockey games. I joined the Miss Castlegar Program to learn new skills such as public speaking and speech writing and to make some long-lasting friendships. I would like to thank my sponsor, Royal Canadian Legion as well as Carol Sommerville.
Pageant
The Miss Castlegar Pageant will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 6 at the Brilliant Cultural Centre. The event is the final step in the five month Miss Castlegar program. Candidates receive training in things like public speaking, modelling, current events, and time management. They also learn about city council, politics, Castlegar history, resume writing, and personal interview skills.
Guest speakers come in and talk to the young women on topics such as nutrition, make-up/skin care, customer service, etiquette, women’s safety and awareness, and budgeting/financial planning.
The pageant is only the tip of the iceberg, as three-quarters of the candidate’s points towards becoming Miss Castlegar are earned before they even take the stage on June 6.
