Delano Royalty
The 2021-2022 Delano Ambassadors Abby Watkins and Kaiya Merritt with Delano Little Misses Maddie Kraf and Nora Hillmyer .
The Delano Royalty Organization was designed for one main purpose : To foster leadership abilities for the young women of Delano . DRO consists of local volunteers who collaboratively recruit candidates , provide scholarship , and organize community involvement and public speaking opportunities for Delano Ambassadors and Little Misses .
During candidacy , the young women take part in local events , fundraising , parades , professional interviews , sponsorship promotion , women in leadership and professional etiquette workshops , and the Meet the Candidates judging event . While representing the city , Delano Ambassadors and Little Misses make appearances at community festivals around Minnesota , where they promote the Delano 4th of July celebration . The ambassadors attend the St . Paul Winter Carnival , and one ambassador is chosen to represent Delano at the Minneapolis Aquatennial as a candidate for the Queen of the Lakes Scholarship Program .
“ During my year with the Delano Royalty , I did not yet realize how the experience would promote my leadership and public speaking abilities or how valuable these skills would be in my future ,” said Delano Royalty Organization member , Emily Hilbelink . “ After high school , I felt confi dent speaking to large groups and conversing with business professionals thanks to my experience with Delano Royalty . Our goal is to help the candidates and ambassadors build this same confi dence and skill repertoire .”
“ During my year as a Delano Ambassador , I gained many valuable skills as an individual such as public speaking , confi dence building , and leadership skills . The Delano Royalty Organization helped me gain a better
PHOTO BY MCDONALDS STUDIO OF PHOTOGRAPHY INC
sense of community . Our goal as an organization is to empower young girls to gain confi dence and be the best versions of themselves as they can be ,” said Heidi Oare , Delano Ambassador 2015-2016 .
Candidates and royalty are encouraged to play an active role in the community and act as ambassadors for Delano . However , DRO recognizes schedule constraints , so few events are mandatory .
Qualifi cations to become a Delano royalty candidate include :
• The female candidate must be between the ages of 17 and 22 years old .
• Candidate must be a Delano High School student , or live in the Delano School District .
• Candidate must be actively seeking , or have already received a high school diploma .
• Candidate / royalty must be a single female , and agree that she has not been , is not now , and will not become pregnant or married or co-habitate during her candidacy and reign as royalty .
• Candidate / royalty must be willing to always represent Delano in a positive and friendly manner .
Little Miss candidates must be in 1st or 2nd grade and be a resident of Delano or enrolled in a Delano public or private school .
A non-commitment , informational meeting is hosted in mid April . A parent of each candidate is encouraged to attend the meeting to ensure they have full knowledge of the parent involvement required with the candidate / ambassador program .
Applications for the program are due April 15 . Please email delanoroyalty @ gmail . com with any questions !
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Official DELANO GUIDE BOOK 2022