Started in 1966, the Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Program has opened the door of opportunity for countless young women in our community. Throughout the years, Bonners Ferry has proven to be one of the best programs in the state and nation. It also has the reputation of giving one of the largest amounts of scholarship and prizes in Idaho, awarding over $15,000.00 last year.
The Distinguished Young Women program focuses entirely on participants’ inner beauty, strengths, and accomplishments. Participants are given the opportunity to participate in the “Be Your Best Self” program. The “Be Your Best Self” program allows Distinguished Young Women participants to reach out and encourage young people nationwide to make a commitment to being their best selves in areas such as: academics, physical fitness, morality, character, and social and civic participation. The five elements of “Be Your Best Self” are: Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Healthy, Be Responsible, and Be Ambitious. Participants take part in the “Young Miss” program by mentoring local sixth grade girls, performing community service projects, and participating in educational opportunities highlighting the elements of the program.
Each participant competes in the following categories: Scholastics, Interview, Talent, Fitness, and Self Expression. An Olympic style scoring system is used in all categories of the program, and each participant receives a score of 1 to 10 in each category. Each participant is judged as an individual and not by comparison to other participants. Scholarships are awarded to the winners of each category, as well as to runners-up, and the young lady ultimately awarded the title of Bonners Ferry’s Distinguished Young Woman.
The Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women program receives its funds and support entirely through the donations of local community members and businesses. Without this support the program would not exist. Throughout the next several weeks, volunteers will be contacting businesses and community members for their support. Donations of any size make a significant impact and allow Bonners Ferry’s best to achieve their higher learning goals. If you would like to donate to this year’s program, please contact Andrakay Pluid at 946-7598.
National sponsors of the Distinguished Young Women program include the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, The State of Alabama, Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Alabama Power Foundation, Encore Rehabilitation, Wintzell's Oyster House, Master Boat Builders, Regions Financial Corporation, and Alabama Media Group. For more information about Distinguished Young Women, visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.