2011 Distinguished young Women

After a phenomenal evening, Kayla Branson was crowned the 2011 Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women on Saturday

In front of a sold-out audience, 2010 Junior Miss Sara Owinyo passed on the honor to Branson,the daughter of Coral and Darron Branson.

Branson received a $2,250 scholarship and numerous gifts from local merchants.

Each runner-up received a scholarship, gift basket and gift certificates to local merchants.

This year’s first runner-up was Jaymi McGinn ($1,800 scholarship), second runner-up was Lexi Wages-Shutes ($1,500 scholarship) and third runner-up was Laura Worley ($800 scholarship).

The Spirit of DYW award is voted on by DYW peers and went to Maryrose Hanson. The  DYW committee gace the  Be your Best Self award to McKenzie Moore.

Lexi Wages-Shutes won the best interview portion of the competition.  Meg Newell won the talent portion and Krystal Flory won fitness.  The Self Expression award went to Sorerelle Gibbins and scholastic awards were given to Caitlyn Alexander and Katrin Svec.

The evening was filled with “The Best of Broadway” as the 13 contestants showcased their talent, fitness and poise. The girls were scored in five categories: scholastic, interview, self-expression, fitness and talent and the scholastic and interview portions, which account for 45 percent of their score, are completed prior to the show.

The scholarships, gift baskets and gift certificates were made possible by the generosity of the community.  Even though there were seven fewer contestants this year, more money was raised this year than last year according to Andrea Kramer, DYW Chairperson.

“This community is extremely generous,” said Kramer.

“We exceeded our goal in scholarship amounts. This community cares about our children.”

In addition to the community’s generous donations, over 50 volunteers helped make the DYW program possible this year.