Steamboat Pilot & Today

Patricia Davie, left, and Annie Osbourn laugh while working on a budgeting exercise during the 2012 Girls to Women event Tuesday at The Steamboat Grand. The conference is intended to introduce eighth-grade girls from Routt County and surrounding areas to a variety of career choices as well as inspire and encourage them to believe that they can achieve their dreams of financial independence and a fulfilling life. Photo by John F. Russell

Local artist Wendy Kowynia watches as Rebecca Hallmark. center, of Rangely, works with the loom Tuesday at the annual Girls to Women conference at The Steamboat Grand. The conference is intended to introduce eighth-grade girls from Routt County and surrounding areas to a variety of career choices as well as inspire and encourage them to believe that they can achieve their dreams of financial independence and a fulfilling life. Photo by John F. Russell

Eighth-graders from across Routt County react to a motivational speech Tuesday at Colorado Mountain College's Alpine Campus. The students attended a number of workshops meant to prepare them for the transition to high school. Photo by Scott Franz

Eighth-graders from across Routt County react to a motivational speech Tuesday at Colorado Mountain College's Alpine Campus. The students attended a number of workshops meant to prepare them for the transition to high school. Photo by Scott Franz

Todd Musselman sings and plays guitar as eighth-grade students and teachers dance Tuesday at Colorado Mountain College's Alpine Campus. The students attended a number of workshops meant to prepare them for the transition to high school. Photo by Scott Franz