Scott Swanson
Of The New Era
Sportsman’s Holiday Princess Olivia Lake says she’s participating on the court this year because “it’s an opportunity that only comes once.”
“When I was younger, I would always see the Sportsman’s Holiday Court, whether it was in parades, the paper, or around town at special functions,” she said. “I always thought they looked so beautiful and thought how awesome it would be to be a part of that someday and now, here I am.”
Olivia, 16, is one of six young women who are candidates to be chosen Sportsman’s Holiday queen for the festival, to be held July 7-9. The queen will be crowned July 6.
Olivia, a junior at Sweet Home High School, is the daughter of Lois and Ron Lake. She has two sisters, Allison and Courtney. She’s played varsity softball, been a varsity cheerleader for football and basketball, and was a member of the cheerleading squad that took third place at the state competition this year. She’s recently begun taking gymnastics lessons.
Olivia said she likes the closeness of the Sweet Home community.
“Sweet Home is a small town, so it is easy to get to know everyone and I have always found that people are very friendly,” she said. “I love being able to drive down the street and wave to people I know, pass someone in the store and say ‘Hi’ or go to a home football game and see friends. “Olivia said she also appreciates the support people in Sweet Home show those who are having difficulties. She also likes the proximity of the lake, the mountains and the coast, and the recreational opportunities they offer.
“With the combination of having several fun and convenient places nearby this close-knit community, I’m happy to grow up in Sweet Home,” she said.
Olivia said she believes she can make a difference in the community by volunteering more, helping others get involved and being a good example to younger girls.
“I would be able to show them the value of having good morals, a good-quality reputation and being involved in their school and community,” she said.
Olivia said she is considering following in the footsteps of her father, a firefighter. She said she wants to attend Chemeketa Community College to earn a degree, possibly in fire prevention, then she’s considering seeking a job as a certified fire and life safety educator with a fire department.
“I have been around fire departments since I was little,” she said. “I have always loved the atmosphere of being at a fire department and it has been these past several years that I decided I would like to make that a part of what I want to do for my career.”
First, though, there’s the business of the court.
“I would make a good representative of Sweet Home because I’m a very positive and enthusiastic person,” Olivia said. “I value my reputation and my morals, and am able to get along well with others. With these qualities I think I could represent Sweet Home in a way it deserves to be represented.”