Taylor to wave Flagfest banner

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) First runner-up Shayna Zellaha, Flagfest Ambassador Liz Taylor, and second runners-up: Brittany Sikora and Alexandrea Blackburn will all work together in the coming weeks to promote Flagfest which takes place in June. [Order this photo]

After being interviewed, presenting a self-expression piece and answering an impromptu question, Liz Taylor, daughter of Steve and Lori Taylor, won the hearts of the judges and was chosen from among four seeking the opportunity to serve as the 2009 Flagfest Youth Ambassador.

"I'm excited and nervous all at the same time," Taylor said following the announcement. "I hope to be a great representative for not only the ambassadors but Spencer as a community, to show tourists and other visitors what we have to offer."

Taylor will represent Flagfest throughout the weekend, June 12-14, at various scheduled events; and will also appear on behalf of the Flagfest at several other regional events leading up to the local festival. She will be joined by the other three contestants as well.

As a result of being named the Flagfest Youth Ambassador, Taylor received a $1,500 scholarship, compliments of the Spencer Rotary Club; along with an engraved writing set from Nelson Jewelry.

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) Liz Taylor smiles as she's introduced to the audience at the 2009 Flagfest Youth Ambassador Ceremony in the Spencer High School Little Theater Sunday afternoon. Taylor was selected from four contestants to serve as the 25th anniversary ambassador. [Order this photo]

For her self expression portion of the ceremony, which took place in front of the live audience at the Little Theater, the musically talented Taylor performed a French Aria from Romeo and Juliet.

"I've performed this at least two other times," said Taylor who explained the reason for choosing the particular piece. "It shows off my vocal talent and it shows who I am because I am very musically involved."

In addition to choir and band, Taylor is active in speech and the drama department at Spencer High School. Taylor was sponsored by Schoeneman Brothers Company.

"It was difficult competing against two of my classmates, Brittany (Sikora) and Shayna (Zellaha)…I think everybody did very well," said Taylor, who acknowledged all three of the other girls seeking the 2009 title.

The 2008 Flagfest Youth Ambassador, Krista McCarty, was unable to attend the ceremony as she had to return to school, but she sent a message, calling her time as the youth ambassador, "much more than a title. It's an experience of a lifetime."

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) Shayna Zellaha shared her personal feelings of patriotism that were dramatically increased when her older brother joined the Marines and began serving the country in the War on Terror in Iraq. [Order this photo]

Shayna Zellaha, who finished first runner-up, used her self expression time to talk about her increased patriotism and respect for what the flag represents, tied closely to the fact that her older brother joined the Marines and now fights for America in the War on Terror. Zellaha, the daughter of Shane and Diane Zellaha, a $1000 scholarship, compliments of the Community State Bank and Insurance. She was sponsored by HyVee of Spencer and Del's Garden Center.

Brittany Sikora, daughter of Jim and Mary Sikora, sponsored by Sikora Sprinkler Service and Alexandrea Blackburn, daughter of Ron and Teresa Bentz, sponsored by Iowa State Bank of Ruthven each received second alternate honors which includes a $500 scholarship compliments of the Spencer After Five Kiwanis and the Daybreaker Kiwanis clubs.

All four students were asked an impromptu question for the final phase of the ceremony. The question centered around helping peers and the younger generation staying away from the addictive dangers of drugs, alcohol and sex.

Each participating student was required to submit a short essay stating why she would like to be the 2009 Flagfest Youth Ambassador.

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Watch segments of the ceremony online

Video coverage of the 2009 Flagfest Youth Ambassador Ceremony is available at www.spencerdailyreporter.com. Coverage includes portions of each participant's self-expression performance, answers to the impromptu question, the announcement of the Flagfest Youth Ambassador, and comments from winner.