Community Ambassadors
If you are a goodwill leader, interested in developing your speaking skills, build new relationships and memories, and would like the opportunity to travel throughout Washington representing the McCleary Community as an Ambassador, then Bear Festival is for you!
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​Bear Festival Ambassadors have reigned over the festival and represented the City of McCleary since 1959. The Ambassadors are your official host and is one of the most visible parts of the McCleary Bear Festival. Throughout a one year reign, Ambassador Program members, in addition to traveling with the float, will make appearances at various events to represent the Festival, and also perform tasks as a goodwill leader of the McCleary Community.
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The Scholarship Program provides an opportunity for outstanding young individuals to be recognized for their community commitment and spirit. In return, our crowned Senior Queen or King receive a $1,000 college/trade school scholarship at completion of their royal duties. This is an opportunity to make life-long friends around the state and within the community.
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​The Bear Festival Ambassadors are comprised of multiple outstanding students chosen from the McCleary and Elma School District. In a typical year, Ambassador announcements take place in late November. Following their selection, members will proudly be presented as an official Bear Festival Princess or Prince and a City of McCleary Ambassador, with first appearance at the annual December fundraiser.
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During our 60th Annual Bear Festival, the community expanded the program to include the first Junior Ambassadors (ages 10-12) Program for our City. The Junior members were established to help build excitement throughout the community in the younger generations by exposing them to the experiences, while interacting with not only the committee, but receiving mentoring from the Senior members (ages 13-15).
Look for the 2025 Ambassador Program application in the fall
2024-2025 Ambassadors
Queen Kaelahni
Hello! My name is Kaelahni McCann. I am fifteen years old, and I am this year’s reigning queen for the 66th annual McCleary Bear Festival. I’ve been a resident of McCleary with my family for ten years, and I am currently attending Elma High School as a sophomore. I love all of my friends and my teachers, and I enjoy being in each of my classes. My top favorite class is Spanish, as I wanted to learn the language for my friend Lynn, who is a very kind person.
I have quite a few activities I do in my personal life outside of school. I like to do jigsaw puzzles in whatever spare time I have. I think it’s really fun, and it’s a personal favorite activity of mine. I think many of my friends know me as the puzzle person. On occasion, when I want something to do, I’ll make unique crafts that I think are enjoyable. Rollerblading around in my garage or at a skating rink is one of my favorite things, too. It’s probably the greatest thing in the world.
If I’m not at school or at home, you might find me participating in volunteer work, or in groups such as 4-H and Girl Scouts. I’ve been a proud Girl Scout since the day I turned five, which marks ten continuous years. I’ve been a member of my 4-H shooting club for six years, and archery is my number one favorite sport. I may not do competitions, but shooting the targets is enough for me and I love it.
After I’ve finished high school, I plan to study the field of psychology. Psychology is something that I find really intriguing. I want to learn and understand what makes every person special. Often, I’ll do deep research on topics that I want to learn more about. In the future, I may get a job as a psychologist or a counselor, because it aligns well with my interest, and I aspire to help others who might need it.
Princess Zoey
I am now a senior princess of the McCleary Bear Festival which has been a dream since I was little and I’m so excited to be part of Bear Festival again this year. I joined the volleyball team, and I loved it and can’t wait to play next year. I have been a girl scout for about six years, and I have been a top cookie seller three times. I have four rescue pitbull mix dogs at home. I live with many pets such as dogs, fish, a turtle and axolotls. I have a little sister who is in fourth grade. We like to spend time in the woods hiking, target shooting, camping, gathering mushrooms, or just driving around. All my family was very excited when I applied for Bear Fest and can’t wait to see me in Bear Festival and other parades this summer
Princess Ellie
Hi my name is Ellie Rose Mykland, I am 12 years old and in 7th grade. This is my first year in ambassadors and I am a Jr. Princess. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers. We live on a small homestead with 2 dogs, 1 goat, 20 chickens, 2 turkeys and 2 bunnies! We moved here from Puyallup in February of 2024. I have met a lot of friends through soccer and like that I get to be a part of the community with ambassadors.
In my spare time I take care of my animals and spend time with my family. I dirt bike and longboard, love Target and Starbucks!
This Spring I look forward to volunteering in the community and growing a garden to donate fresh foods and veggies.
Princess Ailee
Hello! My name is Ailee, and I am 11 years old. This is my first year participating in the McCleary Bear Festival Royal Court as a Junior Princess. I am thrilled to be part of the Royal Court and to have the opportunity to serve my community.
I have four sisters, two brothers, two dogs, and a tortoise. My family moved to McCleary two years ago, and I currently attend McCleary Middle School, where my favorite subject is science. One day, I aspire to study weather systems and climates.
Outside of school, I love playing fastpitch and volleyball. I also enjoy photography and spending time with my friends.
I am passionate about engaging with and giving back to my community. This spring, I am excited to organize a park clean-up to get our local park ready for summer fun!