A whirlwind spring season culminated last Saturday night for Drumheller teen Madison Colberg as she placed in the Top 20 of the Miss Universe Canada Pageant. 

The Mail and all of Drumheller have been closely following Colberg’s journey into the world of pageants, going for one of the most prestigious crowns in the country. Of the more than 60 in the competition, she made it to the top one-third of the competitors. 

“I am still on a high, it was absolutely incredible,” said Colberg Monday morning, now back home. “The whole journey has been absolutely incredible. It is not just the week that happened, but also the months of preparation and the growth from the experience. I had the opportunity to share my story and inspire others. Through what I have overcome, is what I have gained the most out of this.”

It has been a journey of learning and growth.

“It sounds cliché, but I have gained confidence in myself, just embracing my cleft, and how it is a defining characteristic of who I am,” she said. "I never thought a year ago I would have been doing this, and to do so well and feeling so proud is incredible.”

This journey started in March when she was interviewed for the pageant, and her campaign took off. She worked tirelessly for the named charity of the pageant, Operation Smile, raising over $12,000. She also worked her way to the top of the People’s Choice Award.  She says she owes a debt of gratitude to the community that got behind her bid.

“I definitely can’t imagine a better community to live in because of the support that got me to where I am,” she said. “I want to thank Drumheller, with how the community came together, and all the people who donated to Operation Smile.”

After such an overwhelming experience, Colberg says she is taking some time to decompress before she takes on her next challenge. 

“I am going to let my mind settle and see what comes next,” she said. 

“Words cannot describe the last week. It feels like it has been three months because we did so much, but at the same time it feels like one day because it went so fast,” she said. 

The prestigious Celebration of Excellence awards is a testament to the outstanding contributions citizens make to their community. The public is encouraged to attend and show the services of those nominated is appreciated. This year’s event on Saturday June 6 begins at 5:30 pm at the Badlands Community Facility. Tickets are available at SJ Fashions, or by calling Helen Peers, at 403-823-3578.
    Canalta has joined with the Rotary Club of Drumheller to present the evening of entertainment and awards. New this year will be the first-ever presentation of the Male and Female Athlete awards.
    Citizen of the Year award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated years of community involvement and is currently actively involved in the betterment of the Drumheller community. This award was first presented in 1970.
    The two finalists selected by a panel of anonymous judges for Citizen of the Year are Pat Giffin and Louise Henrickson.
    Pat Giffins has been Run Coordinator Run for the Cure, actively involved in the United Way, assumed many roles in organizing events and has been involved in volunteering in more than 20 organizations in Drumheller and surrounding area.
    Nominations received in support of Louise Hendrickson point out that she demonstrates a tireless passion for literacy in the community - she orchestrates with enthusiasm many non-profit Family Literacy initiatives and demonstrates in word and deed her determination that no child is left behind.
    Most Courteous Employee of the Year displays a helpful and enthusiastic attitude when working with customers and shows initiative in going above and beyond what is expected of him or her as an employee. For the first time this award has been named after Dr. Ken Julson. The award was first given in 1964.
    The two finalists for Most Courteous Employee are Candace Baxter and Ken Briault.  
    Candace Baxter is employed by the Drumheller Associated Physicians. When nominated it was stated that she has never-ending patience and provides outstanding service, making a person feel welcome at the clinic.
    Ken Briault is employed at Acklands-Grainger. He is known as someone who is extremely helpful, courteous and very knowledgeable. In his nomination it was noted his professional and friendly approach was very much appreciated.
    Also, during the evening the Town of Drumheller presents their Leaders of Tomorrow awards. The Rotary Club extends thanks to everyone who nominated someone for the awards. Each year there are many worthy people nominated. As a Rotarian once said: “Everyone is a winner.”