OVER THE RAINBOW : SIMI TEEN-AGER HONORED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE.

Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer

When teen-ager Dawn Hobson committed her life to community service a decade ago, she never dreamed she'd lead thousands of young ladies down the philanthropic path.

A Rainbow Girl pledge at age 9, the shy youngster admired her older role models' devotion to helping others. Initiated at age 12 to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Hobson joined the group's efforts to raise money for the disabled, homeless and others in need.

``It's been the most important thing in my life,'' said Hobson, 19, of Simi Valley. ``Being a Rainbow Girl has made me a better person.''

Those years of devotion have been rewarded: The Moorpark High graduate has been named grand worthy adviser - the highest honor a Rainbow Girl can earn.

Once a year, a grand worthy adviser from each state is picked to represent her local assemblies. As California's Rainbow Girl of choice, Hobson represents the organization's largest state membership with more than 2,400 girls in 128 assemblies.

For one year, Hobson will travel across the state giving speeches and attending Rainbow meetings. She will visit each assembly to prepare members for a statewide charity event of her choice. And she will serve as a role model for girls who hope to be grand worthy adviser someday.

``I never thought this would happen to me,'' said Hobson, a Moorpark College student who will leave school for a year while she's traveling. ``I never thought I could give so much. But once you start doing it, you can't stop.''

The Masonic service organization was founded in 1922 by the Rev. Mark Sexson, a past grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.

Girls wishing to join the fraternal, nonreligious organization must be between 11 and 20 years old. A pledge may be as young as 8.

Rainbow Girls raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Air-Lifeline and other charities. Over the past 10 years, California Rainbow Girls have raised more than $800,000 through candy sales, bake sales, car washes and swimathons. Last week, the California jurisdiction gave $80,848 to the Shrine Hospital in Sacramento to build a playground for young orthopedic and burn center patients.

During their initiation, each girl must learn seven lessons represented by the colors of the rainbow: love, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, patriotism and service. Lectures are also given on faith, hope and charity.

For Hobson, these values have paved her path through everyday life.

``Rainbow not only teaches you to give unselfishly, but helps you build lifelong friendships,'' said Hobson, whose mother, aunt and grandmother were Rainbow Girls. ``By working together toward a common goal, the friendship grows.''

Hobson is the first Rainbow Girl in Ventura County to fill the one-year term since the group was formed 75 years ago, said Dave Smith, local advisory board member.

``It takes a lot to earn this honor - it's very demanding,'' said Smith, one of seven advisers on the Simi Valley board. ``The girl must be exceptional and pass a myriad of tests. Dawn is a leader. The girls look up to her. She is a perfect grand worthy adviser.''

The title alone reflects nonstop fund-raising, exceptional leadership skills and the ability to take charge of charity events, Smith said.

The board nominated Hobson out of 26 Rainbow Girls in Simi Valley for perfect attendance, enthusiasm and altruism. She has led fund-raisers for Toys for Tots, Care and Share, and other charity groups.

Since Hobson became a member seven years ago, she has filled 18 out of 20 progressive assembly offices, taking on more responsibility with each four-month term. She also wears the Grand Cross - a medal awarded to girls who go beyond expectations.

``Whenever we have a problem, we always call Dawn. If someone is absent, who do we call? Dawn,'' said Mary Ann Johnen, mother adviser of the Simi Valley assembly. ``She's a remarkable young lady.''