When Liz Miller’s daughter chose to enter the Miss Quesnel Self-Development Program, Miller questioned why. Her daughter was a very active teenager and Miller wondered how she’d fit the program into her busy schedule.
“After seeing what my daughter (her second daughter also went through the program) learned and gained from the program, I felt compelled to become involved,” she said.
That was 12 years ago and Miller is still passionate about the program and what it offers, not only the participants, but also the community.
Volunteering has always been an element in Miller’s life. Her mother was involved in community groups and Miller was always an active aunt, mother and community citizen long before she stepped into the Miss Quesnel Self-Development Program.
“I began as the sponsor co-ordinator,” she said.
“It wasn’t difficult to make the commitment but I was extremely aware of the responsibility. These young women look to the organizers for an enjoyable, successful experience and I take that very seriously.”
Each year, Miller, as candidate and royalty co-ordinator and Kelly Pomeroy, pageant co-ordinator, anxiously wait to see how many girls sign up for the program, but she knows regardless of the number, it will be another great year.
“The girls are my reward,” she said with a smile.
“Looking at the girls on pageant night, they just shine. From the shy, timid girls who begin the program, who take small steps towards self-confidence and self-assuredness, it’s a joy to be a part of that.
“I’m proud of our program. When we travel out of town, we compare very favourably to other programs.”
Miller says she’s happy to continue with Miss Quesnel, even though sometimes family takes a backseat to her commitment.
“There’s so much that’s important to the program, so much the public is unaware of,” she said.
“On average candidates and Royalty devote 250 hours to community service and program commitments.”
It took some convincing, but Miller’s daughters, now grown with lives of their
own, to allow her name to stand.
“They convinced me by saying how this nomination would be good for the program and that did it for me,” she said.
“I’m proud to be nominated but it doesn’t compare to the pride I feel in the Miss Quesnel program.
“With all the pressures on teen girls today, the experiences, the knowledge and the confidence they gain through the program helps prepare them for their future in the real world.”