Johanna Farrell, BFHS class of 2004, was awarded the prestigious International Business Student of the Year award by the College of Business and Economics at Boise State University on May 8, 2009.

"I actually didn't even know the award was out there," laughed Johanna. "I was really shocked."

According to Dr. Nancy Napier, Professor of International Business at Boise State University, the International Business Student of the Year Award is a distinctive honor that is awarded to just one student per year. She said that Johanna was chosen from among the graduating senior class of business and economics students.

"During the course of a student's academic career, we professors compare notes, exchange stories about various students over the years, and by the final year, it becomes clear that there are some who will really stand out. Usually, they excel in areas beyond academics, show an incredible sense of maturity and curiosity about the world, and simply leap at opportunities to learn and "do." In Johanna's case, she did well in a number of areas. You should be very proud of Johanna, as I know you are. Thanks for sharing her with us for a few years."

Johanna graduated from Boise State University in December, 2008 with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, majoring in International Business with a minor in marketing.

"It was a huge honor," she said. "I worked hard through my schooling because I really wanted to learn. It was really rewarding that my teachers saw me that way."
One of Johanna's professors, Dr. Mark Buchanan, wrote of Johanna, "In addition to her aptitude and being highly motivated, disciplined and responsible, she is also a person of very strong character and integrity. She has a drive to learn not just for a grade but for adding value to her own life and what she can offer others. It was a wonderful honor to have been chosen to present her with the award. She is a person any community would be happy to claim as their own, as we at the College of Business and Economics of Boise State University do with considerable pride."

Johanna is currently working in Boise for a nation-wide marketing company. She said that it is the perfect job for her right now as far as starting her career in business because she will get a very strong base of skills. In the future, she plans to attend graduate school to earn her Masters in Business Administration.

"I loved growing up in Bonners Ferry," Johanna emphasized. "There's so much community support and belief in the kids, whether it be in sports, academics or other areas. I was grateful to be raised in a secluded atmosphere; it made me really appreciate being able to branch out and discover what else there is out there. Bonners Ferry people care about each other and care about what's around them."