Do you agree with the committee on this one? Does the title of queen and princess carry a negative connotation?

I think it is a good move to change the title, because yes, I think the perception is that Queen/Princess competitions are beauty pageants full of airheaded girls. As the mother of two young men, however, I wish that the Ambassadors could also be boys. This kind of opportunity can also give a young man confidence, poise and polish.

As a young lady, I never thought that boys needed anything just for them. As I've gotten older, and now as a mother of boys, I realize that they have those same needs. Especially in today's world with more and more boys being raised with no male role model, or with one that isn't worthy of modeling oneself after. I'm lucky in that my boys have a strong male role model in their father at home and actively involved in their lives, but many young men do not.

We need strong women and strong men...why not help both groups out?

I'd say all three. Let the best young people of Northfield fill all three slots, in any gender combination that is appropriate each year. Or, change it to 2 Ambassadors of one each, or add a 4th and do 2 each. Fair and balanced.

Betsy, I am sorry to hear that you have such a low opinion of girls. Isn't their choice to participate or not? This is another example of the NAGs and the politically correct deciding what is right for all of us. Did this Julie NAG go back and ask all the previous participants if they are embarrassed about being part of DJJD? Or did she just make a decision based on her mode of thinking and what she feels is right or wrong. I think we should get rid of shooting guns - it's too loud. We should get rid of the horses – it’s too cruel. We should get rid of the parade - it's too hot and long. And the beer tent - that needs to go - too many people having fun and enjoying themselves. Congrats NAGs.

Where did I say that I have a low opinion of girls? I said that there is a perception that airheaded girls are parts of Queen/Princess competitions. I did not say it was mine.

I know several of the girls that have been Princesses and Queens of DJJD, and my own SIL was a Princess of her hometown's festival. They are all intelligent, articulate, poised, strong young women. The perception of the general public, however, is that the young women that enter these types of competitions are anything but that. I formed that opinion (that there is a general perception that girls that enter these competitions are airheaded) by conversations I've had with participants, and by reading/listening to interviews by candidates in similar competitions.

Your other comments are not germaine to the DJJD Queen/Princess and now Ambassador discussion, therefore I will not address them in this forum.

Ah, politically correct, gender neutral terms with a dash of "everyone's equal"; and, as a bonus, we conform to what many other cities are doing. How Progressive of DJJD, but how unfortunate that we eschew tradition in such a manner simply.

What's next, Ambassador Kay of the Milky Way?

Thank God most of us don't think like you and this Julie Eddy - I would be proud if it were my daughter, niece, cousin, friend or whomever that won the crown and not think of them as "airheads." I think it just a few angry liberals such as yourself and Julie Eddy that cannot allow others to just enjoy life. I would like to call for the resignation of Julie Eddy for making such a stupid decision - leave DJJD NOW!!!!!

I assumed when I first heard about the title change that it meant it was no longer a program exclusively for girls. I'm surprised to learn that it doesn't mean that.

Penny and Betsy:

I am on the board of DJJD. I do not have a lot to do with the Ambassador program, however, I wanted to clarify one thing. The program is open to both boys and girls. The requirements are here: http://www.djjd.org/royalty-requirements/

Here is also the mission statement for the program.

Mission Statement

The Defeat of Jesse James Days Ambassador Scholarship Program is designed to promote growth and educational experiences to young adults through the promotion of the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration. The Defeat of Jesse James Days is dedicated to volunteerism and developing leaders who will serve as positive role models.

The Defeat of Jesse James Days Ambassador Scholarship Program accomplishes this by enabling young adults 1) to learn more about the Defeat of Jesse James Days history and celebration 2) to participate in the promotion of the Defeat of Jesse James Days while educating the public as our ambassadors and 3) to create lifelong memories and associations.

Finally, here is a link to the programs webpage on djjd.org. http://www.djjd.org/royalty-scholarship-program/

Thanks for that clarification, Hayes! That wasn't clear from the article that was originally posted. I'm excited that all of Northfield's youth have an amazing opportunity to represent the town they love!