Sunday, March 20, 2016

"Girl of the Year" Award Nominees Requested - ZONTA: Honoring Girls and Young Women

Zonta Club of Northampton Area
Member of Zonta International

Empowering Women Through Service and Advocacy

NOTE: deadline to apply is Monday, March 21
The Zonta Club of the Northampton Area is offering recognition and a financial reward for two distinct groups of young women in the Pioneer Valley who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to community service. 
For the second year, the local Zonta Club will select a “Girl of the Year” for ages 10 – 15, as its unique counterpart to the annual “Young Women in Public Affairs” award (YWPA) for ages 16 – 19, a longstanding program to recognize rising leaders in empowering women and girls locally or globally. 
We have always enjoyed finding and rewarding the high school and college age women in our area who are clearly rising leaders,” says Lynn Goodhue, president of the local Zonta club. “But last year our president Kim Pisinski suggested that we also recognize younger girls who have shown initiative and a heart for doing good works. It really struck a chord with our club, and we love discovering these girls growing up in our midst!” All applicants will be recognized; one will be chosen “Girl of the Year for 2016,” and will receive a $200 gift for the endeavor of her choice. 
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Awards program recognizes young women for their demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. The Zonta Club of Northampton Area is among the 1200+ clubs who accept applications from young women who live or attend school in our own geographic area. Our winning candidate will be presented with a $500 award and the application will then be considered for an award of $1,000 at the District level. Winners from Zonta’s 30 Districts will compete for ten $4,000 awards and recognition by Zonta International. 
Nominations for “Girl of the Year” are welcomed from relatives, teachers and the community. Applications for the “Young Women in Public Affairs” are available through the local Zonta club. The deadline for both is March 21; winners will be honored in April. 
For more information, please visit www.ZontaNorthampton.org or contact Lynn Goodhue at LGoodhue@comcast.net