By Mike Kinney
Despite the pandemic, the Richmond Community Services Department is still planning to crown a king and queen at its 68th Annual Snow Ball event, set to take place virtually this December.
High school seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 who exhibit dedication to community and have a talent to share are encouraged to compete for the $2,500 scholarship.
“We will provide several individuals with funds to assist with college expenses,” Recreation Program Director Sharolyn Babb said.
Babb said at one point the event had been cancelled, but a committee of dedicated city staff decided to move forward with a safer version.
“Due to the covid-19 pandemic social distancing guidelines, we took out the dance and focused on the scholarship competition and chose Zoom as our social media platform that would work for our event,” Babb said.
Winning contestants from each school attend an orientation prior the competition. Judging of contestants on categories including speech, talent and personal interviews will occur Saturday, Dec. 12, and the crowning ceremony will be the following Saturday, Dec. 19, at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.
To participate, Babb said contestants should contact their school Activity Director/Leadership Teacher, call her at (510) 620-6814 and check out the video explaining details: https://youtu.be/0n4kmOpQr14.
“I look forward to judging the Kings and Queens competition,” Babb said. “This where their stories, talents and desires are shared with the judges! It will be amazing, and it touches the heart.”Â
