One year ago, just after turning 12, Sydney’s Young Woman’s President and Adviser came over for a visit. They welcomed her into Young Womans and talked to her about the Personal Progress program. That night I found Sydney on the floor of her bedroom with the scriptures in one hand and her personal progress book in the other. She made it a goal to be finished in one year. Something that takes most girls their entire YW’s career (6 years) to finish. She worked so very hard on the program. But mid year when the General Young Womans Presidency announced that they were adding a new value (Virtue) and that the project for that value would be to read the Book of Mormon cover to cover… I got worried. Its a 500 page scriptural book after all! And Sydney was only 12.
But let me tell you something about my Sydney… I have never and I do mean NEVER met anyone with as much raw determination as that girl. The sheer force of her will puts me in awe. She finished all her goals and value projects and on Sunday November 28th in the middle of sacrament I watched her as she read the final verses of the Book of Mormon. She was interviewed by her Bishop on November 30th and awarded her Young Womanhood Recognition award and medallion. One whole day before her 13th birthday, thats less than a year from the time she started the program.
With the new program comes the opportunity for Sydney to earn a second medallion as well as a busy bee honor. She hopes to complete her second medallion by her 14th birthday and is already well on her way. Words can not express my joy at her young accomplishment. She is a choice spirit whose powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon astounds me.
Congratulations Sydney!!!
P.S. Incase you are wondering, she is still in that blasted boot! But at least she is off crutches now.
6 responses to “Young Womanhood Recognition Award”
Wow, what an amazing achievement. Congrats! When does Sydney get rid of the boot?
We go back to the doctor again on the 11th. So we will know more then.
She looks so grown up!!!
With determination like that I think I see President in front of her name in the future
Love you
Grand PA
Sydney…I’m telling you is special….I love her from the top of her head to the bottom of that little broken ankle…..and such a pretty little foot i might add………But look at those pictures ..is she pretty or what…..
I am left speechless with admiration and wonder at Sydney’s self discipline, determination and ability to work toward a goal and not get distracted. Heaven knows there are a zillion earthly distractions, especially in the teen years. What’s shining through to me is her spiritual strength, willpower and testimony. Sending a special tear-filled hug full of a shared testimony for the scriptures and a recognition for my Sister in Zion who also happens to be my granddaughter. How awesome is that!