LP Lotion: 2009 Walt Disney World Ambassador Ceremony
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TC recalled highlights of the year and thanked family, friends and cast for their support.
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She concluded her remarks, "We move now from the year of a million dreams to ask the question, "What will you celebrate?" I will look back on 2008 and celebrate the friendly inviting faces of cast members we met in every location we visited. I will celebrate the 35 year cast member who takes the time to mentor our college program students. I will celebrate the look on the face of a child who has been in a hospital bed for two months just at the sight of Mickey and Minnie. I will celebrate the fact that my life is forever changed by the love I have received from the Ambassador family, the community relations team, my partner Kerry and most especially the Walt Disney World cast members."
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Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney World Resort is introduced and greets this year's Ambassadors.
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Meg describes today's event as a combination of tradition and suspense. "Tradition because it is our opportunity to honor our current WDW Ambassador team as they enter their final months of service and suspense because from among the six finalists who spoke to us a few minutes ago two will soon be selected to represent our resort in 2009."
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Meg reflected upon the Ambassador program's history, "Walt Disney himself commissioned our first Ambassador at Disneyland in 1965. Six years later when Walt Disney World first opened we named our first Ambassador. Since then every Disney park around the world has opened with its own Ambassador or Ambassador team. Being an Ambassador is one of the greatest achievements a cast member can attain. The selection process is rigorous which is what you would expect when you are seeking out the best of the best."
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After reflecting on the variety of events the 2008 Walt Disney World Ambassador team hosted and attended, Meg reflected upon each of the team members calling Kerri "warm, cheerful, always smiling, always ready to motivate. She can even laugh at hersel,f a sign of true confidence and whether she is onstage speaking to a crowd or offstage speaking one on one Kerri has a natural ability to put others at ease. Her energy and enthusiasm is contagious." In describing TC, Meg said she "is the personification of charm -- poised and considerate, ready to take on any sitatuion with strength and determination. Ready to put others in spotlight and make others feel unique." She commended TC for representing to the world how very much her fellow cast cares about others.
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