The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - For the first time in five years, representatives from Waitsburg's Rainbow Chapter have been appointed to state level Grand Offices. Current Worthy Advisor Kendra Roberts and Past Worthy Advisor Jessie Hopkins were appointed to Grand Offices earlier this summer and will represent Washington and Idaho at state assemblies. Roberts' sister Lydia, who held the positions of Grand Love, Grand Faith and Grand Camps, was the last Waitsburg Rainbow member to hold a Grand Office.

Both Hopkins and Roberts were appointed to their positions by the Supreme Inspector. Hopkins is the Grand Washington Flag Bearer and Roberts is Grand Religion (the color orange) and Grand Christian Flag Bearer. The young ladies were installed at a Grand Assembly in Yakima's Sun Dome on July 11. The Assembly's theme was New Orleans and the motto was "Dreams Do Come True."

Roberts and Hopkins each joined Rainbow in 2007, when they were 11-years-old - just old enough to join. Roberts said she initially joined to follow in her big sister's footsteps.

"Once I got involved and took on leadership, I learned that I enjoyed leading. I also appreciate the community service aspect," she said.

Roberts shared that the jurisdiction of Washington and Idaho has raised "around $30,000" for Northwest Harvest, a Washington state hunger relief agency. Roberts has previously served as a Jurisdictional Representative and a Page for a Grand Officer.

Jessie Hopkins (far left), dressed for the Columbia County Fair. Kendra Roberts (left) poses in the Rainbow fair booth.

Hopkins says what she enjoys most about Rainbow is meeting new people who will become lifelong friends, mentoring younger girls and learning how to be a better person.

"I was super excited about being appointed Grand Washington Flag Bearer," said Hopkins. "It makes me feel great to be recognized for all of my hard work and dedication. By being appointed to a state level office I can inspire all of the younger members and show them that dreams can be achieved if you believe in yourself and work hard."

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a youth club focused on teaching leadership, confidence, mentoring and citizenship. Waitsburg's chapter meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month and is open to girls ages 11 to 20. Girls interested in joining should contact Mother Advisor Karen Huwe at 337-8201 or another Rainbow member. Learn more about the club at www.gorainbow.org.