The Princeton Ambassador Program has been cancelled for the second consecutive year.
Lori Thomas, who has organized the event since 1999, said no one attended an organizational meeting held at Princeton Secondary School for interested students.
“It’s too bad that today people don’t realize how good the program is,” she said. “I was an ambassador for Princeton in my day and I know what it did for me.”
Last year the program was dropped after two contestants quit, and two others moved from town.
Thomas said she will attempt to introduce tho program to teens next year.
“But if there isn’t one next year, I think that will be end of it.”
The program has a long history in Princeton, dating back to 1965 when was it founded as the Princeton Royalty Program.
In some years, said Thomas, as many as 12 young people vied for the crown.
When asked about the apparent dwindling interest Thomas said: “I don’t know…I know the BC Ambassador Program this year is having a hard time finding kids to go in and they usually have eight or ten.
“I hope it hasn’t run its course, because it is such a good program.”
In past years contestants have earned certifications from Toast Masters and given speeches, participated in talents shows and fashion shows, studied etiquette and been tested on Princeton knowledge.
Winners typically travel to other communities to represent Princeton, and volunteer at local events.
The program was originally only for young women, but was opened up to boys in 1995.
Thomas said she always enjoys connecting with past participants in the program.
“The things they tell me about the program helped them – it’s really unbelievable.”