DYW candidates ready for 2021 program
One loves music and wants to pursue a career that allows her to travel or work outside.
Another Distinguished Young Woman participant enjoys camping, horses and plans to be a physical therapist. A third loves to dance and aims to be a dental hygienist.
A fourth DYW participant loves sports, yearbook and a variety of extracurricular activities but is undecided on what career best fits her goals. And a fifth plans to be an aerospace engineer and is currently taking piloting classes and loves to read.
The five are among nine outstanding junior girls in the community 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.”
Each participant competes in the following categories: scholastics, interview, talent, fitness, and self-expression. 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.
Five of the DYW participants are featured, with the remainder being featured later. Photographs of the young women are provided by Sara Grace Photography.
Camille Jhone Ussher
Camille Ussher is sponsored by the Bonners Ferry Eagles Aeries No. 3522. She is the daughter of Steve and Alethia Ussher. Camille plans to attend college but is unsure what she wants to study; hopefully something that allows her to travel or work outside.
In her spare time, Camille enjoys running cross country, skiing, track drawing, writing, and playing piano.
For her talent, Camille will be playing the guitar and singing.
When asked what makes her least proud of her generation, Camille says, “I am least proud of my generation’s lack of self-sufficiency. I think a large portion of our society does not have good problem-solving skills.”
Sierra Mae Petesch
Sierra Petesch, sponsored by Bonners Ferry Rotary Club, is the daughter of Steve and Paula Petesch. She has one brother, Riley, and one sister, Brooke. Sierra plans on attending Lewis and Clark State College to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist. In her spare time, Sierra participates in volleyball, track, leadership, and 4-H. She enjoys camping, showing horses, swimming, and traveling.
A modern personality that interests Sierra is Dana Rettke, while a historical figure that interest her is Rosa Parks.
For her talent, Sierra will be performing a comedic skit.
When asked what makes Sierra most proud of her generation she states, “I am most proud of how we are trying to make the best of the current situation we and our society are in.”
Reagan Claire Fairchild
Reagan Fairchild, the daughter of Clark and Roberta Fairchild, is sponsored by Beta Sigma Phi. She has a sister, Sondra, and one brother, Colin. Reagan plans to attend University of Idaho and pursue a career as a dental hygienist.
When Reagan is not dancing or working at her part time job, she enjoys spending time outdoors, kayaking, and reading. Reagan is interested by modern personality Donald Trump and historical personality Rosa Parks.
For her talent, Reagan will be performing a dance routine.
When asked what makes her least proud of her generation, Reagan states, “I am least proud of my generations reliance on technology. I hope as we grow older we learn to live in the moment.”
Rose Lynn Owens
Knights of Pythias is happy to sponsor Rose Owens. Rose is the daughter of Brandon and Robin Owens. She has two brothers Evan and Nick, and one sister Lilly. After graduation, Rose is undecided what she would like to study. Extracurricular activities she enjoys include softball, soccer, yearbook, National Honor Society, and Foreign Language Society.
Rose will be performing a comedic skit for the talent portion of the program.
When asked what makes Rose most proud of her generation, she states, “I am most proud of my generation when we all come together to make the best of any bad situation.”
Cali Lynn Iacolucci
Cali Lynn Iacolucci is sponsored by Masonic Organizations. She is the daughter of Chad and Missy Iacolucci. She has one brother, Wyatt. Cali would like to attend Arizona State University and pursue a career as an aerospace engineer. A historical personality that interests Cali is Clarence L "Kelly" Johnson, while a modern personality she finds interesting is Lady Gaga.
A few of the activities that keep Cali busy include taking piloting classes, participating in Job’s Daughters, golf, and reading. For her talent, Cali will be performing a poetry recitation.
When asked what makes her least proud of her generation, Cali states, “I believe that my generation has been overexposed to technology in the sense that knowledge and knowledge retention has been declining.”
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.
