Nine teens to participate in 2021 DYW program
Bonners Ferry’s Distinguished Young Women participants pose for a group photo. Pictured, from left, are Eika Willis, Elizabeth Bourassa, Isabella Sims, Aleak Clark, Camille Ussher, Sierra Petesch, Reagan Fairchild, and Rose Owens. Not pictured is Cali Iacolucci.
(Photo courtesy SARA GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY)
Nine of Bonners Ferry’s most outstanding junior girls will be given an opportunity to win scholarship money and prizes in this year’s annual Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program (formerly Junior Miss). Set for April 24 at the Becker Auditorium, the theme of this year’s program is “Believe.”
Started in 1966, the Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Program has opened the door of opportunity for countless young women in our community. Throughout the years, Bonners Ferry has proven to be one of the best programs in the state and nation. It also has the reputation of giving one of the largest amounts of scholarship and prizes in Idaho, awarding over $11,000 last year.
The Distinguished Young Women program focuses entirely on participants’ inner beauty, strengths, and accomplishments. Participants are given the opportunity to participate in the “Be Your Best Self” program. The “Be Your Best Self” program allows Distinguished Young Women participants to reach out and encourage young people nationwide to make a commitment to being their best selves in areas such as: academics, physical fitness, morality, character, and social and civic participation.
The five elements of “Be Your Best Self” are: Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Healthy, Be Responsible, and Be Ambitious. Participants take part in the “Young Miss” program by mentoring local sixth grade girls, performing community service projects, and participating in educational opportunities highlighting the elements of the program.
Each participant competes in the following categories: Scholastics, Interview, Talent, Fitness, and Self Expression. An Olympic style scoring system is used in all categories of the program, and each participant receives a score of 1 to 10 in each category. Each participant is judged as an individual and not by comparison to other participants. Scholarships are awarded to the winners of each category, as well as to runners-up, and the young lady ultimately awarded the title of Bonners Ferry’s Distinguished Young Woman.
The Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women program receives its funds and support entirely through the donations of local community members and businesses. Without this support the program would not exist. Throughout the next several weeks, volunteers will be contacting businesses and community members for their support. Donations of any size make a significant impact and allow Bonners Ferry’s best to achieve their higher learning goals. If you would like to donate to this year’s program, please contact Andrakay Pluid at 208-946-7598.
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, developing their self-confidence and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Encore Rehabilitation, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management, Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Tara Principe, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Tara@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.