SANDPOINT — Registration is now open for the upcoming Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint program.

DYW is inviting all girls graduating with the Class of 2024 in the school district to attend a “meet and greet” event planned for Jan. 25. The event will be held at 2:15 p.m. at Sandpoint High School, Room C-1.

The event offers a chance to learn more about the program and the potential to earn a $3,000 scholarship presented to the Distinguished Young Woman winner, plus other scholarships.

Past participants such as Camille Neuder, DYW Sandpoint for 2020, and Ali Terry, in 2021, praise the program as fun and something that led to special friendships with the other participants.

“Just hearing them talk about the experiences they made and the friendships that they are still in contact with, that was why I joined the program," Neuder said in 2020 after being named the Idaho DYW for 2021. "I definitely felt those same things that I hear them talk about. The girls from the local program are so incredible and such dear friends of mine now and they've been so supportive as I've gone on my DYW journey to state and they're excited for me as I continue on to nationals and if I didn't win a single thing throughout this whole program, I wouldn't change my participation for the world."

Neuder said at the time that she never misses a chance to encourage participation in the program — and share its message of empowerment for young women.

"The lessons I've learned from DYW I'm going to carry with me my entire life," she said. "They are so powerful and so deeply rooted in the fact that the community is remarkable," she added. "They are truly so supportive and loving and every person I've met along the way has helped teach me a new lesson about being the version of myself that I want to be one day."

Distinguished Young Women is a scholarship competition program available for girls graduating in the Class of 2024; typically their junior year of high school.

"Distinguished Young Women is a great opportunity to make new friendships, learn life skills (such as interviewing and public speaking), have fun showcasing your achievements and, of course, help pay for college," Aundrea Wolf, Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint co-chairwoman, said.

Those who would like information, with no obligation to participate, are invited to register at distinguishedyw.org and/or come to the meet-and-greet event. There is no fee to participate in the Distinguished Young Women program.

The deadline to register in the 2023 program is Jan. 31.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential.

Distinguished Young Women aims to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, and connecting with a nationwide network of women. It also aims to help them develop their self-confidence, and through its life skills workshops, help prepare them for success after high school.