In 1966, a group of young Boundary County high school students, girls all, 16 to 17 years old, most of them, embarked on a short but intense journey of self discovery. Some of what they were called upon to do was fun, some silly, some things were easy to some, some a challenge to all.
Diane Zenier was named Bonners Ferry’s first Junior Miss, but while competitive, the scholarship program was not a competition.
Each of those young women who 49 years ago accepted each dare, who overcame every challenge, grew with each step. And the young women who stepped on stage that final night, the culminating moment of months of applying themselves, of working and learning so as to discover their best self, stepped off that stage transformed.
And something soon became noticeable … first to those distinguished young women who in 1966 accepted the challenge and later to the community as a whole — that the final night was just a beginning, not an end, and each new class of young Boundary County women who participated were lifted by the class before, the Forget Me Nots, and encouraged by the outstretched hands of all the classes, 49 of them now, of distinguished women who went before — all of them winners.
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. To make it easy to donate, we have established the 9B.News Bonners Ferry DYW “Run for the Roses” Fundraiser with the approval of Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women program administration. All proceeds will go to the Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Program, with 9B.News contributing the GoFundMe service fees so that the program receives the full amount donated.
The Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, in Bonners Ferry High School’s Becker Auditorium. The theme of this year’s program is “Run for the Roses.” Tickets are $12 per per person at Mountain Mike’s Health Food Store, 6486 Main Street, Bonners Ferry. All seats are reserved, they sell out fast and may not be available at the door … so get your tickets early!
And now, meet the first four of this year’s Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program participants:
Jane Moellmer– Participant #1
Boundary County Masonic Organizations is happy to sponsor Jane Moellmer. Jane is the daughter of Edward and Alisa Moellmer. She has five sisters, Kelly, Leah, Joan, Sammie, and Maggie. After graduation, Jane plans to attend college at Idaho State University to become an elementary teacher. Extracurricular activities she enjoys include participating in National Honors Society, the BFHS Theater Program, working as a barista at Badgers Den Café, and participating in Family Community Career Leaders of America.
Modern personalities that interest Jane are Malala Yousafzai and Dr. Anthony Fauci; and historical personalities that interest her are Mark Twain and Harriet Tubman. Jane will be showcasing her vocal talents and playing the guitar for the talent portion of the program.
When asked what makes Jane most proud of her generation, she states, “I am proud of this generation’s ability to adapt in a constantly changing world and society.”
Celynn Chaney – Participant #2
Moyie Shrine Club is proud to sponsor Celynn Chaney. Celynn is the daughter of Timothy Chaney and Melinda Medland and has one brother, Carson. Celynn aspires to attend college to become a Homeland Security Officer. One historical figure that interests Celynn is Alexander the Great. She is also intrigued by modern personality Billie Eilish.
A few of the extracurricular endeavors that keep Celynn active include dancing, 4-H, hiking and working out. For her talent, Celynn will be entertaining the crowd by dancing.
When asked what makes Celynn least proud of her generation, she states, “My generation allows social media to ruin romance.”
Britta Rosequist – Participant #3
American Legion Post 55 is happy to sponsor Britta Rosequist. Britta is the daughter of Chris and Pam Rosequist. She has one brother, Bryce. Britta plans to attend college to pursue a career in architecture. She participates in soccer, skiing, drawing, and acts as the manager for the Cheer team.
Britta is intrigued by modern personality Bruno Mars and historical personality Cleopatra. For her talent, Britta will be speed painting.
When asked what makes her most proud of her generation, she states, “My generation is adaptable to change.”
Hallie Thomson – Participant #4
Veterans of Foreign Wars is proud to sponsor Hallie Thomson. Hallie is the daughter of Tyson and Stacy Thomson and has two siblings. Hallie aspires to attend college in Florida to pursue a career in marine biology and veterinary sciences. One historical figure that interests Hallie is Jane Austen. She is also intrigued by modern personalities Kamala Harris and Drew Barrymore.
A few of the extracurricular endeavors that keep Hallie active include playing basketball and soccer, painting, running, and hiking. For her talent, Hallie will be entertaining the crowd with vocal and guitar solo.
When asked what makes Hallie least proud of her generation, she states, “I am least proud of how we rely on technology and our excessive reliance on social media.”