Distinguished Young Women will be having their program on May 6. DYW is a scholarship program for women in their junior year of high school. Those who win the program or win parts of it receive scholarship money to help pay for their higher education.
The program is separated into five sections, each worth a different percentage of the participant’s grade: scholastics (25%), interview with the judges (25%), talent (20%), fitness presentation (15%) and self-expression (15%).
This year, there are three groups performing, one less group than last year. There are two groups competing from Lewiston and one group from Clarkston/Asotin.
Last year’s court helps with the program each year. Lewiston’s court includes winner Annika Huff, runner-up Seyi Arogundade and second runner-up Maddilynne Jackson.
Clarkston/Asotin’s court consisted of winner Greta Boreson, runner-up Sophie Henderson and second runner-up Maddie Walkup.
“I am really proud of all the hard work these girls have put in throughout the last few months. The Distinguished Young Women program is a very intensive process and I know it can be a little difficult at times, but I’m really appreciative of these girls for giving it their all and persevering,” said Arogundade.
The girls meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays to practice the fitness routine, interview, and self-expression. The talent portion and scholastic score are done outside of the practice.
Underclassmen who are considering participating in the DYW program next year can talk to a current or past DYW participant to learn more about the experience. “DYW helped me grow my confidence in sharing my opinions and beliefs, as well as giving me an opportunity to be who I am in a safe space,” said Boreson.