Janessa Pretorius

HAVING RECEIVED A JUNIOR Ambassador medal for three years, Janessa felt the natural next step was to run for the Wellesley fair ambassador.

“I have a true passion for the Wellesley fall fair, my community and for volunteering. The fair ambassador brings these three qualities together. Having the honour of representing our local area and meeting new people at the same time, as it allows the opportunity to learn more about the agricultural side,” she said.

Janessa has a lengthy list of accomplishments, awards and volunteer service, including raising money for the Wellesley accessibility park and KW Humane Society. She was honoured earlier this year by receiving the RBC ‘Make 150 Count’ award, and has volunteered with WYAC (Wellesley Youth Advisory Council) for four years, at the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival and the Wellesley Fall Fair for three years, Wellesley Idol for two years, the wedding dress show this past spring, the Wellesley Soap Box Derby, the Wellesley Home Show, the Wellesley Horticulture Society, vacation bible school and the Groundwater Festival at the Museum.

A Grade 12 student at WODSS, she is involved in their concert choir, Students Without Borders and their badminton team, all while maintaining a 90 average. She is currently working as a student page at the Waterloo Regional Library headquarters.

Janessa is working towards being accepted into the global business and digital arts program at the University of Waterloo for September 2018. She says in the future she hopes to continue to travel, but is always happy to return home to Wellesley where she wants to remain involved in committees around the township – such as the horticulture society and the Wellesley Mennonite Church.