DYW helps participants be their best selves

SANDPOINT — Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint participants had a chance recently to be their best selves — and have a lot of fun in the process.

"Be Your Best Self" is Distinguished Young Women's official outreach program. Participants are encouraged to “Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious and Be Responsible”, and to reach out to the youth of our community to make a commitment to being their best selves. This year, DYW participants held the BYBS workshop on Feb. 18.

The workshop was an afternoon of fun and education, DYW officials said. Participants Aurla Palmer and Merrell Cunningham teamed up to share the BYBS message with young girls from our community.

The girls then focused on one element — “Being Involved.” They worked together to create 90 “thank you” cards to present to the veteran residents at The Bridge at Sandpoint and other retirement andassisted living locations in the greater Sandpoint area. Each individual handmade card was filled with appreciation, gratitude and support.

With the help of Sandi Mazzilli at The Bridge at Sandpoint, participants Cunningham and Palmer showed their talent and participated in a "mock interview" with the residents, Arlene Mitton, DYW Sandpoint co-chairman, said.

"The residents in attendance asked several questions which both participants responded with clarity and confidence," she said. "The time spent together was heartfelt and enjoyable, providing the girls the opportunity to practice what they learned from their interview and public speaking workshops."

Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint will be held Saturday, March 4 at The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint. The program begins at 3:30 with doors opening at 3:15 p.m.. Ticket reservations are now taking place, please email sandpoint@distinguishedyw.org.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school.

National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Shoe Station and the Barkin Family, Gant Travel Management, the Coffeen Family, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.