It's a chance to make both new friends and long-lasting memories.

All girls graduating with the Class of 2026 in the Lake Pend Oreille School District are invited to a special meet-and-greet to learn about the Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint program, officials said.

The event will be held Monday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. in Sandpoint High School, Room C-1.

Aurla Palmer, Distinguished Young Woman of Sandpoint 2024, will be on hand to share her experiences. The event is also a chance to learn more about the program and potential scholarships.

The deadline to sign up for the upcoming DYW Sandpoint scholarship program is Jan. 12. The youth named Distinguished Young Woman of Sandpoint 2025 will receive a $3,000 scholarship.

“Every day was filled with great times, fun activities, great food, and great people,” Palmer said recently of her time at the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho program in early October.

Distinguished Young Women is a scholarship competition program available for girls graduating in the Class of 2025, typically their junior year of high school.

“I have learned a bunch about myself, gained better public speaking and interview skills, and am now more ambitious," Palmer said. "I wish that every girl had the opportunity to participate in Distinguished Young Women."

Palmer was one of 36 young women from across the state who took part in the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho program in early October. While the program was held Oct. 7, Palmer and the other DYW participants from throughout Idaho arrived in Idaho Falls on Oct. 1 to get to know each other and practice the various routines, as well as polish their talents, interviews, and public speaking skills.

“There were 35 other girls who I became close friends with in a very short week,” Palmer said of her time at the state event.

Distinguished Young Women is a great opportunity to make new friendships, learn key skills — such as public speaking — have fun, and, of course, help pay for college, Aundrea Wolf, Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint co-chairwoman, said.

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

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, prepare them for success after high school.

Info.: distinguishedyw.org