Weiser’s Grace Zimmerman accepts Miss Idaho crown

Weiser High School graduate and University of Idaho student Grace Zimmerman has been honored with the title and role of Miss Idaho 2019.
 Zimmerman was awarded first runner- up at the Miss Idaho pageant on June 8 but was asked to accept the role of Miss Idaho on June 12 when Rachel Forest resigned her Miss Idaho title in order to pursue an educational opportunity as a transfer student to Columbia University in the fall.
 Zimmerman, the daughter of Dion and Dawn Zimmerman, is the first Miss Western Idaho to become Miss Idaho and the first Miss Idaho from Weiser since 1968, when Karen Ryder competed with a magic act.
 Zimmerman learned she would be assuming the role before the official announcement Tuesday evening. The executive director of the program, Christi van Ravenhorst, board president Stacy Pittman and Patrick Nauman used their small town sources to track her down at the Reeds house where she was painting posters for the Weiser River Music Festival.
 They surprised her and informally “crowned” her in front of her small group of loved ones right there at the Reed household.
 Zimmerman said that, although it might not be your typical crowning moment, it was perfect in its own way.
 Zimmerman said that because in that moment she was surrounded by people she loves and support her, and it was even less expected and more surprising, that she will always cherish that crowning moment as her unique Miss Idaho story.  
 She also got to celebrate on Thursday with her mom and the 2018 Miss Idaho Nina Forest at the state capital, where she enjoyed another private crowning as Miss Forest passed on her crown to Zimmerman.
 “To say I am feeling blessed would be an understatement. After spending the past week competing alongside some of the most charismatic, driven, and talented women, I walked away feeling more proud than ever of this organization and the way it shapes women into stronger versions of themselves. As Miss Idaho, I am thrilled at the opportunity to represent my fellow candidates, our Miss Idaho organization, and the state of Idaho,” Zimmerman said.
 Zimmerman was awarded $7,000 in scholarships as Miss Idaho, which she will use when she continues her education after she takes this year off to represent our state and the Miss Idaho program.
 She is currently in her third year at the University of Idaho as a student in the College of Business and Economics. She is a member of Delta Gamma sorority, the Moscow Central Lions Club, and a volunteer with the Moscow Mentor Program.
 Throughout this year, Miss Zimmerman will attend community events and appearances as she pursues her social impact initiative, “Wholesome Health.” Additionally, she will spend the summer preparing for the Miss America competition.
 Zimmerman’s first pageant experience came in 2015 when she won Miss Three Rivers Outstanding Teen. Looking back, she said it was funny because she showed up at rehearsal completely unprepared with no paperwork, no platform, and no idea what she was doing, but she did well because she was naturally comfortable with people, giddy with excitement to be competing, and had what judges are often looking for in teen candidates.
 Two years later, Zimmerman competed  for the Miss level before going to college, but Zimmerman shared that deep down, she knew that year competing was more about building experience, and that she would need to work on becoming her best self before she could be ready to take on the role as Miss Western Idaho.
 Zimmerman spent the next two years volunteering, improving her marketing skills, becoming involved in multiple organizations, and cultivating her platform: “Wholesome Health.”
 “I want to show people that lifelong health looks different to everyone. It’s about keeping your mind and body happy. We are at our healthiest when we are happy,” Zimmerman said.
 Zimmerman feels that preparing for and being involved in the Miss Idaho program has given her a space in which she has learned the value of challenging herself to take care of herself, be active in civics, aware of current events and to seek out opportunities to volunteer and connect with amazing people throughout Idaho.
 Zimmerman also shared that at its core, the Miss Idaho program is truly a sisterhood that strives to celebrate women as they pursue their talents, goals, and dreams. Zimmerman hopes to grow the program and the reputation it has to help young women ages 13-25 become the best versions of themselves.
 “I am chasing the me I want to be. I know this program can help so many women feel comfortable in their own skin during those difficult and formative years,” Zimmerman said.
 Zimmerman is especially excited to represent her hometown through this experience. The Miss Western Idaho program had amazing representation at state for the last few years.
 Zimmerman feels this is representative of the talent of the women in the community and the support and preparation provided through our amazing board members that have helped all the contestants.
 Zimmerman will represent Idaho in the Miss America Pageant on NBC in September. Location and exact dates and times have yet to be announced.