BECU Ambassador Program
2009 Ambassadors, the world is waiting for you!

The 2009 Seafair BECU Ambassodors have been selected! BECU Ambassador started the selection process by attending the Youth Leadership Symposium on Friday, February 27 at Qwest Field where they heard from some of the region's most influential leaders on the topics of Environment, International Business & Pop Culture.

Following the Symposium, students are asked to produce a synthesis statement using their media vehicle of choice (essay, video, power point...) and twelve finalists are selected for interviews with the Seafair Board of Directors. The six selected Seafair Ambassadors will represent the festival on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kobe, Japan where they will learn about international relations while interacting with community and business leaders, government officials and students. The students will also represent Seafair during the 2009 Seafair Festival, Seafair's 60th.

2009 Seafair Ambassadors
Mishaal Aleem - Hazen High School
Melody Ju - Newport High School
Irena Lam - Redmond High School
Brendan McMenamin - Glacier Peak High School
Delaney Merrick - Holy Name Academy
Kaela Nurmi - Hazen High School

2009 Symposium Keynote Speakers!
Gary Wright, VP of Business Operations for Sounders FC
Toby Crittenden, The Washington Bus
Lisa Cohen, Director of the Washington Global Health Alliance
John Richards, KEXP Radio DJ & Producer
Marty Kooistra, Director of Habitat for Humanity for Seattle and South King County
Aaron Adelstein, Built Green
Kelly Ogilvie, Founder & CEO of Blue Marble Energy
James Keblas, Director of the Mayor's Office of Film and Music
Jeff Jacobson & Dan Melbihess, The Writer's Union Graffiti Office
Megan Jasper, General Manager of Sub Pop Records
Ron Sims, King County Executive and recent Obama appointed Deputy Director of HUD

Hear from the 2008 Ambassadors
"Being a part of the Seafair experience was incredible for me. Even before we went on the life-changing trip to Japan, I found myself falling in love with this summer festival's fascinating culture of its own. The smiling people, the general togetherness of the community, the multicultural tolerance that blossoms from festivals like these...I could go on and on. Seafair is amazing. And only Seafair could teach me that helping out with community service events is one of the most fun and rewarding things you can do with your time. I know that i'll use everything I learned at Seafair in my educational and professional life for years to come." -Val Conklin, Burlington Edison High School

"Participation in the Ambassador Program was literally a life changing opportunity. To participate in the activities that have been such a part of the Puget Sound community for 60 years was such an honor and alot of fun. However, the opportunity to travel to Kobe, with the other ambassadors was life changing. To experience the rich culture, to meet new friends and to represent the teens of Seattle, was trully awesome!" - Allison Fina, Holy Names Academy

2008 BECU Ambassadors
Val Conklin of Burlington Edison High School
Allison Fina of Holy Names Academy
Mawa Ali of Lynnwood High School
Lorilyn Roller of Hazen High School
Hailey Hargrave of Redmond High School
Laura Ewton of Todd Beamer High School