KRTV’s Shannon Newth created the Five Under 35 initiative as a way to recognize young adults in Great Falls whose attitudes and actions are making our community an even better place to live. Shannon hopes the initiative will boost morale and encourage others to take an active role in the community.
Five Under 35 was born with the intention of recognizing those who are already in the community, not only doing amazing things, but who also have an attitude that combats the negativity that is often more contagious. It’s more than a good deeds award. It’s about addressing community concerns through positivity and passion.
Sounds of the symphony have been a constant for Hillary Shepherd.
“Music for me has always been the thing for me that I can go to when things aren’t going right in life,” explains Shepherd. “It was a really positive influence in my life growing up.”
Now the 34-year-old Great Falls native is the woman in charge of the Great Falls Symphony as the executive director.
“It’s all about making the community a better place through this specific thing and it’s through music and arts. It elevates everyone’s day, everyone’s lifestyle, gives them something to look forward to, something to do, and for kids something to strive for,” says Shepherd.
Although she is a musician herself, Shepherd’s role with the symphony is behind-the-scenes dealing with the budget, fundraising, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. She is also responsible for starting Broadway in Great Falls.
“Great opportunity for everyone here to come out and see a professional group. It’s the same group that goes to Canada, Spokane, Seattle. Really top notch, you don’t have to leave,” Shepherd says of Broadway in Great Falls.
Just as she brought something new to Great Falls, Shepherd says there are many opportunities for people of all ages to create something, or get involved in the community.
“I think there’s just a lot of potential, potential for Great Falls to be a platform for people to fulfill their dreams.”
Shepherd feels it comes down to each individual person to make a change for the better to improve the community and culture.
“My hope is that people start looking inside themselves and saying, ‘Is the stuff that’s coming out of my mouth or the stuff I’m typing on social media, is that harmful to other people or is it helpful to other people?’ And start asking themselves the question, ‘What kind of person do I want to be?’ and start living that out,” explains Shepherd.
Shepherd has been involved with Leadership Great Falls and the Great Falls Chamber. She is also a wife and mom.
Click here for more information about the Great Falls Symphony.
-Reported by Shannon Newth/MTN News
