June 22, 2005 – There won't be a Miss French Heritage this year for the annual French Heritage Week celebration. Instead, there will be two French Heritage ambassadors chosen via an essay contest.
Events kick off July 8 with a fashion show and wind up on Bastille Day with an official recognition ceremony and reception at Government House.
And the week is packed with activities in between.
Senate President Lorraine Berry, who traditionally oversees the event, said only two contestants had applied for Miss French Heritage this year, so she decided on a different format that gives an opportunity to both male and female students: a French Heritage Ambassadorship essay contest.
The contest is open to any student of French descent with at least one French parent. High school students (grades nine through 12) and college students (freshmen through juniors) are eligible.
Essays must be no longer than 700 words and must either: describe what the student's French heritage means to them personally or describe the impact and contributions that people of French descent have had on the history and development of the Virgin Islands.
The essays must be received by noon July 1. They may be mailed or hand-delivered to Berry's office or e-mailed to Sen. Berry, attention Catherine Bryan.
For further instructions and to obtain applications, contact Bryan at 693-3686.
The ambassadors will represent the French community at all activities during French Heritage Week and other activities throughout the year.
Also, they will be eligible for a scholarship to further their education.
The week's events:
July 8
– Fashion show and dance will start at 6 p.m. at the Frenchtown Community Center. Admission is $10, with food and drinks on sale. Music is by the Sea Breeze band.
– Captains meeting for the Bastille King Fishing Tournament at 7 p.m. at Hull Bay Hideaway.
July 10
– Bastille King Fishing Tournament, 5 a.m. to noon. Fishing weigh-in at noon. Music by Cool Sessions Brass, noon to 5 p.m. Awards ceremony at 8 p.m. with dancing all night. Hull Bay Hideaway.
July 13
– French Heritage Week Forum, "Sustaining the Rendezvous with Victory," at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aired over TV Channel 12 or radio WIUJ 102.9.
– French dignitaries reception sponsored by Odile de Lyrot, honorary French consul, at 6:30 p.m. at Emerald Bay Beach Resort.
July 14, Bastille Day
– Legislative and Executive ceremony honoring the Northside Sport Fishing Club for its outstanding contributions to the community, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Government House. Invitation only.
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