Anika Blackmore crowned 2014 DYW

BONNERS FERRY — A phenomenal evening led to the culmination of Anika Blackmore being crowned 2014 Distinguished Young Woman on Saturday.

McKenzie MacDonald was named first runner-up, Brook Wilson second runner-up and Aubrey Dennis third runner-up.

Blackmore, daughter of Maureen and William Blackmore, will be representing Bonners Ferry at the Idaho Distinguished Young Women State Finals in Idaho Falls on Oct. 4-6.

“Anika Blackmore is an astonishing young woman and earned the title of Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women with her dedication to her academics, fortitude, communication skills and talent,” said Shelly Hoisington, DYW program coordinator.

“She will represent this year’s contestants and our community with integrity and honor.”

As the 2013-2014 DYW, Blackmore received a $2,300 scholarship, an official DYW Medallion, and numerous gifts from local merchants.

“I’m very excited,” said Blackmore. “I have a lot ahead of me. Thank you to all the Distinguished Young Women, all of those that helped, and everyone who supported me. It all meant a lot.”

Blackmore was voted by fellow DYW peers for the Spirit of DYW award. She received a $700 scholarship and gifts from local merchants.

Blackmore also received the talent and best interview award. She performed a ballet to “Little Wonders” for her talent. For each award, she received a $700 scholarship and a gifts from local merchants.

As first runner-up, MacDonald received a $1,800 scholarship and gifts from local merchants. MacDonald also won the self-expression award, fitness award and one of the two scholastic awards. For each award, she received a $700 scholarship and gifts from local merchants.

Brook Wilson, second runner-up, received a $1,500 scholarship and gifts. Wilson also won one of the two scholastic awards. For the scholastic award, she received a $700 scholarship and gifts.

Aubrey Dennis, third runner-up, received a $800 scholarship and gifts from local merchants.

Gabrielle Munson won the Be Your Best Self Award and received a $700 scholarship and gifts.

All participants received gift certificates to Curves and A.J.’s Lanes.

Participating in this year’s DYW program on Saturday, March 27 were: Brook Wilson, Hailie Drake, Jailee Foster, McKayla Moore, Aubrey Dennis, Gabrielle Munson, McKenzie MacDonald, Jocelyn Palacios, Alexandria Jones, Anika Blackmore and Kayley Piatz.

“The DYW committee is very proud of all 11 contestants,” said Shelly Hoisington. “Each of them worked diligently to be their best self throughout this rigorous program and were well prepared for the final performance.”

The evening was filled with “Seasons of Change” as the 11 contestants showcased their talent, fitness and poise. The contestants were scored in five categories: scholastic, interview, self-expression, fitness and talent.

Also performing a “Seasons of Change” number were the Young Misses, who the DYW participants mentored throughout the program.

Young Misses performing included: Heather Tobin, Emily Blackmore, Maggi Pluid, Hannah Beazer, Ashlynn Rushing, Jerzie Pluid and Lindsay Christopherson.

The community was very generous supporting DYW this year.

More than 140 businesses and individuals contributed to the program through gifts, time and talents.

“This community embraces the opportunities this program offers young women, not just the scholarship monies, but the entirety of the program and all it represents,” said Hoisington.

“It truly takes a community to raise a distinguished young women,” said Aaramie Hoisington, 2013 DYW, in her farewell speech Saturday night.