BONNERS FERRY — On the evening of April 29, Hannah Sims became the 2017-2018 Distinguished Young Woman of Bonners Ferry. She also won the Self Expression category, as well as being one of the winners of the Scholastics category. Her sponsor was Chapter AP, P.E.O.

Ever since Sims was in sixth grade, when she had the opportunity to participate in the Young Miss portion of the DYW program, she had aspired to be part of the DYW program.

“Even at the age of 11, I was able to see what a positive impact this experience has on everyone involved,” she said.

This experience has pushed Sims beyond her comfort zone and allowed her to accomplish things she never thought possible. She has gained skills and a new sense of confidence that came from performing on stage, being interviewed by a panel of judges, and speaking in front of an audience.

“I was both shocked and surprised to be announced the DYW of Bonners Ferry for 2017-18. To be chosen out of a group of 19 other exceptionally talented, hard-working young women is an honor, and I hope to represent both them and this community well in the coming year,” she said. “I know that I will continue to grow and become a better person throughout this experience.”

After high school, Sims plans to attend a four-year college or university and is considering pursuing a career in a math or science field, or both. She admires Katherine Johnson, a physicist and mathematician who made contributions to the U.S. aeronautics and space programs, and Rosalind Franklin, an English chemist and X-ray crystallographer, for having successful careers in those fields during a time when this was not typical for women.

“Not only did they overcome the social norms of their time, but they also helped pave the way for other girls, such as myself, to pursue such careers,” she said. “They showed me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination.”

Sims hopes to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and possibly pursue her master’s degree.

“With this education, I plan to find a job that I love and find fulfilling, allowing me to make successful decisions in my life and be an involved member of my community,” she said.

Sims’ parents are David and Stephanie Sims and she has one sister, Isabella. She shares her home with two dogs and two rabbits. Her favorite hobbies include ballet, piano, reading, and cheerleading. She also loves to be outdoors, hiking or swimming.

During the DYW program, Sims performed a piano solo, Baroque Expressions by Martha Mier. When she was very young, Sims was fortunate enough to learn from an excellent piano teacher who provided her with a strong foundation and an appreciation for music, she said. Despite not having formal lessons for several years, she still loves to play, as evidenced by her performance.

Baroque Expressions was given to her by her piano teacher and it was a piece that she fell in love with instantly. Sims said it was an easy piece to adapt to the 90 seconds allotted to each performance.

“The most special thing about this experience to date has been the overwhelming outpour of support from this community. The program would not be as successful as it is without their generous donations and words of encouragement,” she said. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to make this a positive experience.”

Sims would like to thank the DYW committee for the countless hours they put into this program.

“Because of them,” she said, “each participant leaves a better person than they were when they started. None of this would be possible without these ladies.”