Twenty-one-year-old Grace Zimmerman has been involved with pageants for the past four years, earning her first title as Miss Three Rivers outstanding teen when she was seventeen.
“Excited but mostly nervous, I went on a couple of months later to compete at the state level for Miss Idaho’s Outstanding teen,” Zimmerman said. “There I placed in the top five — better than I expected.”
When Zimmerman was old enough, she tried to compete as a Miss a few times. She said that she now realizes that she was under prepared and not ready to hold the larger title.
Zimmerman, a senior studying Marketing with an entrepreneurship emphasis at the University of Idaho, competed as a Miss again after two years as student.
Miss Idaho | Courtesy
“Going to college had helped me get to know myself, my values and my goals and surrounded me with a new incredible support system,” Zimmerman said.
The university is now her second home.
“Because of the comfortable environment that is rich with opportunity, I’ve been able to fearlessly explore my abilities and potential,” Zimmerman said. “The Vandal family has been instrumental in encouraging me to grow into the best version of myself. I have UI to thank for the experiences, friendship, mentorships, and encouragement that led me to be successful in my personal pursuits.”
Zimmerman is a member of Delta Gamma sorority, the Moscow Central Lions club, a volunteer with the Moscow Mentor Program and was elected President of Vandal Solutions — a nonprofit offering marketing and advertising services to local businesses.
In July of 2018, Zimmerman walked away with the title of Miss Western Idaho, representing Payette and Washington County.
For the next 12 months, Zimmerman completed her third year of studies while placing a new emphasis on volunteering and preparing for the Miss Idaho competition.
“I initially competed because I was curious and I loved performing,” Zimmerman said. “I continued to compete because I began to understand how much the program could offer in scholarship money. It gave me a motivation to work to improve myself and it placed me in a space where I could build long lasting friendship.”
Zimmerman’s platform issue for her year as Miss Idaho is “Wholesome Health” — encouraging young people to approach their health with a more balanced mindset.
“I’m promoting self-care that includes taking care of yourself internally and externally,” she said.
She wants to make the most of her year as Miss Idaho as well and is taking a year off from school to be fully invested in the experience.
Zimmerman will focus on promoting what matters most to her as she travels to different states and communities, as well as prepares for the Miss America competition.
“My favorite part of being Miss Idaho is the different communities I get to connect with,” Zimmerman said. “Getting to visit hospitals, work with volunteer groups, mentor local titleholders and parade around the state has already given me a better appreciation for the people I represent and their relentless support. I am humbled and proud to be your Miss Idaho.”
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell