When it comes to the Distinguished Young Women nationwide scholarship program, Idaho ranks No. 1.
The Gem State has more participants in the program than any other state and is also the best in terms of the number of volunteers involved and cash scholarships given.
Many Idaho young women participate in the Distinguished Young Women program because it is a great way to earn college scholarships and discover a new found confidence. DYW is open to girls in their junior year of high school and was formerly called the Junior Miss Program.
Of course, not everyone walks away crowned with a pocket full of funds or name to fame.
However, most will say the confidence gained and lessons learned while participating in the program are life-changing.
Without so many dedicated local volunteers, DYW would not be an option for young women in Southeast Idaho.
Myra Leatherman is the Caribou County DYW chairperson, with Tonya Yamauchi as production coordinator and Brenda Nielson as assistant coordinator. Endless hours of effort from these ladies are poured into the program and contestants every year.
A group of 12 young women participated in the 2024 Caribou County DYW Program on Saturday at Soda Springs High School. The participants came together from Soda Springs and Grace high schools to embark on the 14-week program, which culminated with Saturday night’s finale.
Practices consisted of learning and perfecting a physical fitness routine, learning and perfecting interview skills, and creatively sharing and highlighting each participant’s talents.
Participants also focus on the program’s “Be Your Best Self” mantra. This includes being healthy, being ambitious, being involved, being responsible and being studious. These areas of focus help the girls set goals and grow.
Many dress rehearsals and a community preview happen before the night of judging to prepare the participants as much as possible.
Tickets for Saturday night’s event were sold out as many friends, family and community members came to show their support for the young women and DYW program.
Many younger girls were in the audience to simply see all the beautiful gowns and dream of their day on stage.
This year’s group of ladies came well versed and ready to shine. Talents across the board were all very well chosen and entertaining with some even preparing and practicing their talent for years in anticipation of the DYW program.
No one talent significantly outperformed another. It was truly a captivating evening.
One of the highlights of the event is seeing the outward support and genuine kindness the girls had for each other.
Though some didn’t walk away with scholarships, all were happy for each other and that is a testament to the DYW program.
The crowned winner was Kate Williams of Grace High School.
She said, “DYW helped me realize how much I depend on the support of others to help me achieve my goals. Sitting in the dressing room before the program, I felt nervous and doubtful of my abilities. I knew that anything could happen. I could train-wreck my talent, flop in fitness, or stutter in self-expression. As the group of girls I was part of gathered for a picture before we went on stage for opening number, we huddled together for a quick prayer. At that moment, I looked at the girls around me. I knew I was surrounded by beautiful, talented and amazing girls, and I wanted everyone to do their best — to show the hours of work I knew they’d put in.”
She continued, “And as I saw their kind smiles and heard their encouraging cheers for each other, I remembered how many times they had cheered me on, made me laugh, fixed my hair, zipped up my dresses, and wished me sincere luck. Their kindness and encouragement helped me to overcome my fears and doubts and turn it into excitement and confidence.”
The Caribou County DYW committee would like to give a special thank you to the local Lions Club for its years of support. Caribou County is one of the few DYW programs in Idaho that has such a supportive sponsor.
Leatherman said, “The Distinguished Young Women program transforms junior-aged girls into confident young women. It is truly a pleasure and a treat to get to know each one of the participants each year. As a committee, we are able to see the changes in these girls as they memorize routines, learn interview skills and share their talents. I believe this program definitely prepares these young women for their future.”
FINALIST INFORMATIONRunners up consisted of 1st Catherine Walker, 2nd Rachel Hansen and 3rd India Galloway. Other scholarship winners were “Spirit of DYW” — Samantha Lowry and Kate Williams; “Be Your Best Self” — Rachel Hansen and Lily Gilbert; “Fitness” — Brynlee Hemmert and India Galloway; “Self Expression” — Brynlee Hemmert and Kate Williams; “Talent” — Kate Williams and Catherine Walker; “Scholastic Achievement” — Elizabeth Beutler and Rebekah Evans; “Judges Interview” — Catherine Walker and Kate Williams; and “Light It Up” — Rebekah Evans, Samantha Lowry, Brynlee Hemmert, Lily Gilbert, Breana Heer, Kate Williams, India Galloway and Elizabeth Beutler.
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