Ambassador crowning combines tragedy, courage

by Kris Svela

ARTHUR

When Nicole DiPucchio was named this community’s new fall fair ambassador on Sunday, the decision left many in the packed community centre with tears in their eyes.

The response was a reflection of support and confirmation of the courage the 17-year-old, whose father Fernando lost  his battle with cancer hours before Friday evening’s ambassador variety program, during which the five contestants performed and were judged prior to the crowning on Sept. 9.

“My dad would be so proud of me,” she told the crowd after being crowned fair ambassador by outgoing ambassador Lisa Billiald. “He would look down at his little girl and say I’m proud you did it.”

Leah Plat picked up the friendship award, as selected by her fellow contestants DiPucchio, Darla Walsh, Mandy DeBoer and Gabrielle Binkley.

Shedding tears, DiPucchio thanked the contestants for their support and said she hoped the friendships established would grow in the future. She also thanked Billiald for promoting the community and agricultural society during her time as ambassador.

“Lisa you’re such a role model and such a big sister to me,” the new ambassador said. “I will continue that on for you.”

DiPucchio also took time to thank her family for their support in a difficult time.

“I’d like to thank my family, you really helped me,” she said.

She vowed to promote the community and the society as ambassador.

“As for the agricultural society, I’m really looking forward to working with you. I’m so ready,” said DiPucchio. She also thanked members of the ambassador committee: Debbie Atkinson, Mandy Jones and Kelsey Allen.

Billiald then recounted some of the highlights of her reign.

“It’s been an incredible year,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure having this title. I really got to see how well our agricultural society works together.”

The outgoing ambassador said representing Arthur at the CNE was an easy task.

“The most successful thing I’ve done was representing this community the way it deserved,” said Billiald.

“I’d like to thank you, the community, you’re a wonderful and supporting community.”

Billiald also noted the success of the weekend fair, despite some rain.

“For a fair that’s only run on donations, and this is a small community, this is one of the most wonderful fairs. I’m so proud of this community.”

John Broadfoot, one of three judges in the ambassador competition, said the success of the contest is based on a lot of work done by the agricultural society.

“It’s been an honour to judge this competition,” he said. “The Arthur Agricultural Society deserves a pile of credit.”

He told the contestants, “Although the judging was done Friday night, the way you all worked together was just incredible. Each and everyone of you is a winner.”

Atkinson suggested to the contestants last week at a barbecue hosted by Billiald that the society should set a new trend by crowning all the contestants.

“Lisa you were absolutely fantastic this year,” Atkinson said of the outgoing ambassador. “You represented the Arthur Agricultural Society and Arthur fantastically.”

DiPucchio will serve as ambassador until next year’s fall fair.

September 14, 2012