Farewell to Hannah Sims as Bonners Ferry DYW
Courtesy photo Hannah Sims has enjoyed her year as DYW 2017.
Hannah Sims will take the stage at the Becker Auditorium one final time on April 28 as the Distinguished Young Woman of Bonners Ferry to welcome a new recipient of the title.
The past year has brought many opportunities to represent Bonners Ferry and the Distinguished Young Women Program. Hannah attended numerous parades in the northwest, performed a reading at the Memorial Day ceremony, orchestrated Be Your Best Self Workshops with local youth, presented awards at the annual Rod Bender’s Car Show, and spoke at the opening ceremony of the Boundary County Fair.
Last October, Hannah and 36 other representatives from around the state traveled to Idaho Falls where they spent one week learning routines in preparation for the state competition. The final result was many new friendships, great memories, and character building.
This month brings the end of a great adventure and brings Hannah’s Distinguished Young Woman experience full circle, as she helps prepare the current group of participants for the upcoming program.
Hannah states, “Without a doubt, Distinguished Young Women has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is so much more than a scholarship program. It’s an opportunity to grow in confidence, make lifelong memories, and let your true potential shine through. I can honestly say that I gained 19 sisters in the few short months leading up to the local program. We were able to laugh and learn together.
“It truly was an honor to represent this outstanding group of young women in Idaho Falls. I loved connecting with 36 other girls from around the state. At the same time, some of the most impactful relationships were formed right here in Bonners Ferry. I treasure every moment we spent together, stepping out of our comfort zones, and understanding what it truly means to be our best selves.
“DYW has helped show me what I am truly capable of, and none of that would be possible without the local committee for everything that they continue to do and teach me; my sponsor, Chapter AP PEO, for their support; as well as the generosity of this community and the individuals in it. Along with this program, you all have impacted me for the better, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you.”
Hannah is the daughter of David and Stephanie Sims. She has one sister, Isabella. After graduation, Hannah is planning to attend St. Olaf College to study mathematics and economics.
Hannah has truly represented Bonners Ferry with beauty and grace over the last year. She has epitomized what it means to “Be Your Best Self” and the DYW committee is so proud of the growth Hannah has shown over the past year, as well as her constant involvement in the program.
This year’s program is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Becker Auditorium in Bonners Ferry. Tickets are $12 each, and are currently on sale at Mountain Mike’s Health Food Store.