‘One of the most amazing moments of my life’
Destiny Bartlett could get used to strolling through the Town of Berwick in her Gala Days attire.
The 15-year-old Berwick resident was crowned Queen Gala Days 2017 in the midst of a jam-packed festival weekend Sept. 2. Six girls were vying for the title, including Bartlett, second lady-in-waiting Alexis Benjamin, first lady-in-waiting Gwen Trombley and Miss Spirit recipients Mary Morse, Casey Francis and Lindsay Chiasson.
“It was amazing. Personally, I wasn’t expecting to be queen at all… it was one of the most amazing moments of my life,” said Bartlett, reflecting on the day she was selected as queen.
The selection process was extensive, with each princess participating in a number of activities within the community before a queen was chosen. Bartlett enjoyed touring Grand View Manor and mingling with residents, answering impromptu questions, completing interviews, participating in a variety of meet-and-greets and attending the Princess Tea.
“I talked to a friend that had done it before and I went for it,” she said, explaining the origin of her interest in the Queen Gala Days title.
“It was way better than I could have ever imagined.” She laughs while she recounts the night all eyes were on her as she walked through Foodland in her dress, sash and tiara after a Gala Days event.
“Everyone that I saw either smiled, waved or said ‘hello,’” she said.
“It was really cool.”
Bartlett, a Grade 10 student at École Rose-desvents in Greenwood, has already noticed dramatic improvements in her public speaking since assuming the role of Queen Gala Days. She looks forward to gaining more new skills while attending a number of community functions as queen throughout the year.
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence,” she said.