Distinguished and Delightful

By MANDI BATEMAN

Staff Writer

BONNERS FERRY — Virtually all of the participants of the Distinguished Young Women of Bonners Ferry 2017-2018 Scholarship Program put on Oscar-worthy performances last Saturday at Bonners Ferry High School.

That was appropriate for the theme “A Night at the Oscars,” which in this case elicited tears and cheers from an appreciative audience.

Large silver stars, combined with stunning outfits, brought the theme to life.

The 20 finalists put on an amazing show, performing individually and in groups in Talent, Fitness and Self-Expression. Chief Meteorologist Kris Crocker, from KXLY 4 in Spokane, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Her co-host for the evening was Brittany Spangler, the 2016-2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Bonners Ferry.

The individual Talent performances ranged from beautiful piano and vocal solos, to dance routines and original monologues. There were unique performances as well, such as Ashlynn Rushing’s “Speed Painting,” in which she quickly painted something unrecognizable on a large canvas, while the confused audience watched — only to flip it upside down, revealing a stunning portrait.

One Talent performance seemed to particularly touch the audience, even bringing tears to Crocker’s eyes. Bailey Jenkins recited a patriotic monologue about military life through a child’s eyes. She clutched her worn stuffed elephant while fighting tears, sharing the story about how she had to be separated from it for a year. She sent it with her father to Iraq, so part of her would be with him. She finished the monologue by saying, “Some girls wait their whole lives for their hero, but I was raised by mine.”

Haley Wenk’s comedic skit had the audience laughing, and prompted Crocker to say, “I think I need to see that again.” She performed her rendition of Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise, a novelty song by William Bolcom, playing the part of a lady describing the absurd featured dishes to be served at a bridge club.

Alayna Youngwirth’s original monologue about Living with Anxiety showcased her bravery. The ability to stand up on a stage when living with anxiety garnered the audience’s approval with a large round of applause.

For the Fitness portion of the evening, the young ladies got the audience cheering during their dynamic cardio workout routine, performed to “Eye of the Tiger.” The routine started them in a group, then individuals took turns at center stage for a solo performance.

For Self Expression, the ladies were asked what movie made the greatest impression on them. Miranda Wenk chose “Beauty and the Beast” because of its strong sense of family. She said it taught her that looks fade, but love is forever.

Jaeda Schnuerle had the audience laughing when she explained one of her reasons for choosing “The Wizard of Oz” was “That a good pair of shoes can get you anywhere.”

The winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges: Steve Casey, Erica Lewis, Shelley Olson, Julie Turley, and Kim Washko.

Hannah Sims, who performed first in the Talent portion of the evening, playing a piano solo, won 2017-2018 Distinguished Young Woman of Bonners Ferry, earning her a $2,500 DYW Scholarship. Sims was sponsored by Chapter AP, P.E.O.

First Runner Up went to Haley Wenk, earning her an $1,800 DYW Scholarship.

Second Runner Up went to Ashlynn Rushing, earning her a $1,500 DYW Scholarship.

Third Runner Up went to Kianna Higgins, earning her a $1,000 DYW Scholarship.

Fourth Runner Up went to Alexandra Hough, earning her a $750 DYW Scholarship.

Interview was won by Kaylee Kramer, earning her a $750 DYW Scholarship.

Talent was won by Kianna Higgins for her modern/jazz dance performance, earning her a $750 DYW Scholarship.

Scholastics winners, in no particular order, were Ada Bonnell, Hannah Sims, and Rayan Naylor, each earning an $850 DYW Scholarship.

Fitness was won by Haley Wenk, earning her a $750 DYW Scholarship.

Self Expression was won by Hannah Sims, earning her a $750 DYW Scholarship.

Be Your Best Self winners, in no particular order, were Kaylee Kramer and Tori Smith, each earning a $750 DYW Scholarship.

Spirit of DYW was won by Haley Wenk, earning her a $750 DYW Scholarship.

Although the night ended with the winners being chosen, every young lady gave amazing performances. During their time on the stage, they had the full attention and approval of the audience, as shown by the heartfelt cheers and applause.