Hawkins' volunteerism, leadership earns recognition

For a lifetime spent strengthening Bonner County through leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, and boundless energy, Rebecca Hawkins has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Bonner County Women of Wisdom Lifetime Achievement Award.

A lifelong Bonner County resident, Hawkins has spent decades serving her community — often quietly, always enthusiastically, and usually with several projects underway at once.

One of the clearest examples is the Christ Our Redeemer Community Garden, which Hawkins founded after recognizing the need for greater food access in the community. From writing grants and organizing volunteers to building garden beds and coordinating harvests, she helped create a thriving resource providing fresh produce to local families and the Bonner Community Food Center.

Her commitment to food security extends beyond the garden. Hawkins volunteers with Second Harvest food distributions, donates produce grown on her own property, and during the Covid-19 pandemic organized and sewed hundreds of masks for community members.

Hawkins’ passion for helping young people has shaped much of her life’s work. In the early 1980s, she co-founded Panhandle Horsemanship for the Handicapped, using her love of horses to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities. She has also mentored youth through 4-H, scouting, horse camps, sports programs, and educational outreach.

As a Sandpoint High School graduate, former Clark Fork High School volleyball coach and lifelong supporter of student athletics, Hawkins sponsors an annual scholarship at Sandpoint High School encouraging students to participate in multiple sports.

Hawkins served as an elected school board trustee and helped pass the facilities levy that led to construction of the new Sandpoint High School. She has also held leadership roles within Beta Sigma Phi for more than 35 years and served as president of Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

In addition, Hawkins has devoted years and years to the Bonner County Fair as floral superintendent and judge, sharing her expertise as a Master Gardener and dahlia expert. Friends say there is little she cannot do — from flying her single-engine plane and riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle to decorating cakes and organizing community events.

Family, friends, students, and neighbors describe Hawkins as resilient, adventurous, compassionate, and endlessly willing to help others. Whether hosting exchange students, mentoring youth, providing flowers and cakes for weddings, or sewing Christmas stockings for students at Lake Pend Oreille High School, Hawkins has built a legacy defined by kindness, creativity, and service.

For Bonner County, Rebecca Hawkins represents the spirit of a Woman of Wisdom — someone who leads with heart, inspires through action, and strengthens her community in countless ways.

Hawkins joins fellow 2026 honorees Dee Ann Smith, Nancy McAdam, Sharon Bistodeau, and Sue Brooks, all recognized for their leadership, service, and lasting impact on the community.

The Women of Wisdom Gala Luncheon honoring these exceptional women will be held Saturday, June 13, at Marigold Bistro in Sandpoint. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased by calling Diane at (208) 290-6362 or by emailing [email protected].