Chase to pass the DYW torch on Saturday

BONNERS FERRY — Ana Chase will take the stage at the Becker Auditorium one final time on April 27 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. Ana attended numerous parades in the northwest, handed out awards at the Rod Bender’s car show, and represented DYW at the Fry Foundation’s Festival of Hearts. 

As part of the DYW program statewide, Ana participated in two Be Your Best Self Projects. To combat period poverty in Idaho, Idaho State Distinguished Young Women collaborated with the Idaho Period Project, packed 533 monthly period packs, and wrote to local legislators to encourage them to vote yes on House Bill 313.

Ana collected donations from Bonners Ferry to bring down with her for The Village and Idaho Foster & Adoptive Parent Association service project. Together, they packed 96 backpacks full of donated school supplies for foster children. 

Last October, Ana and 35 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 Ana’s Distinguished Young Woman experience full circle as she helps prepare the current group of participants for the upcoming program. 

“It is crazy how fast a year can fly by!” Ana said “While it went by fast, it has been busy. Since last October, I have cultivated many fulfilling friendships through the state and local programs. This program means so much to me. It motivated me to reach deeper within myself to be my best self despite hard times and self-doubt. Distinguished Young Women provided me with a foundation of confidence and poise, which has been very useful as I spread my wings in the world. I am so grateful for the local committee and all the work they put into making each year’s program memorable. I would also like to thank all of the generous local sponsors, especially Chapter AP P.E.O and The Masonic Organizations, who sponsored me last year. I am very appreciative of this amazing opportunity I have had to represent Bonners Ferry.”

Ana Holland Chase is the daughter of Stephanie Chase and Josh Friedman. Ana will embark on her journey at the Naval Academy Preparatory School this July, with graduation slated for May. Following this, she anticipates admission into the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2029. Her aspirations include pursuing engineering studies and acquiring invaluable leadership skills, all in preparation for a fulfilling career as an officer in the U.S. Navy. 

This year’s program is scheduled for Saturday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Becker Auditorium in Bonners Ferry. Tickets are $12 each, and are currently on sale at Mountain Mike’s Health Food Store.

Kris Crocker, Chief Meteorologist at 4 News Now Forecast Focus, will again be the emcee for the evening.