The Kenyon Rose Fest will be here in just a few months, and plans are already well underway for another year of celebrating the town of Kenyon. But the celebration would not be complete without the presence of the lovely Kenyon Ambassadors.
Kelly Worner, the program director of the Kenyon Ambassador Program, says that the program began several years ago as a way “to encourage personal growth, build confidence, and promote community involvement among participants.” The program is generously funded through local businesses, sponsorships, and generous support from community members.
The selection process for the next Kenyon Ambassadors is structured with intentionality. Worner comments that the selection process “is designed to identify individuals who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and serve as positive role models within our community.” While there is a detailed application process, the program seeks to focus on the qualities of kindness, community pride, and responsibility. Young ladies who participate in the Ambassador Program are challenged to grow in these qualities as they represent Kenyon in many local events throughout the year. Worner says, “the program strives to help each participant grow into a strong role model while building lasting connections within the Rose Fest community.”
While the number of Kenyon Ambassadors can change from year to year, depending on the goals of the Rose Fest and the needs in the community, the Kenyon Ambassador team has brought back the Junior Ambassador Program for this year. This age bracket was brought back to have a section dedicated to younger participants, and because greater support was shown to help grow the Ambassador organization. In addition to the Junior Ambassadors, a new section has been added to the program. “The new Little Miss Rose Fest Division was introduced to spark early interest and excitement in the program,” says Worner. The Kenyon Ambassador Program now has three age brackets. Little Miss Rose Fest is for girls who have completed 1st-3rd grade by June 1st. The Junior Ambassador division is for girls in 4th -6th grade. The Miss Rose Fest is for young ladies in 9th-12th grade.
The Ambassador Program plays a key role in the Rose Fest. Worner comments, “The Ambassador Program plays an important role in building excitement and helping promote Rose Fest throughout the community. Ambassadors participate in events, engage with community members, and help spread awareness about upcoming activities. Through their involvement, they bring positive energy, encourage participation, and serve as visible representatives of Rose Fest.” If you, or someone you know, would be interested in applying for an Ambassador position, applications are now live on the Kenyon Ambassador Facebook page. But time is running short. Applications for Miss Rose Fest (grades 9th-12th) close June 1st, 2026. Applications for Junior Ambassador (grades 4th-6th) and Little Miss Rose Fest (grades 1st-3rd) will open on May 23rd and close on June 19th. Also, be sure to follow the Kenyon Ambassador Facebook and Instagram pages for updates and announcements. If you have any questions, please email kenyonambassadors@gmail.com.
