Well, Meghan and Harry may be leaving the royal family, but fortunately, some new royalty will be crowned to replace them this week. The annual Royal Cougar Talent Pageant is on tap at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Canby Fine Arts Center.
The talent show and pageant is a fundraiser in which Canby High students participate, each representing charities of their own choosing.
In the words of Canby High teacher and ASB adviser J.D. Bellum: “They are able to raise money for charities for which they feel strongly, and make a difference to others in this world who are in need.”
Though the main event is Wednesday, the fundraising has already begun. The seven contestants have spent the past week carrying around buckets to collect donations for their chosen charities, which include Thirst Project, the World Wildlife Fund and the Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital.
Those competing to be named Canby’s “Royal Cougar” will compete in the following five categories: Spirit wear, formal wear, beach wear, lip sync and talent.
And unlike the royal family, this title actually means something. (Take that, Britain!) The position carries a responsibility to represent Canby as a community. A Royal Cougar should be courageous, devoted to change, kind, and true.
There is no charge at door. The event is open to the public and has free admission. All the students ask is that attendees make a donation to one of the charities represented by the students.
“The Royal Cougar pageant is a tradition that promotes compassion and bravery in our high school students,” said Bellum, “so come on out and support them!”
