Royal, Mattawa at state DYW this week

PULLMAN - Nineteen seniors from across the state arrive here today to vie for scholarships in the Distinguished Young Women of Washington scholarship.

Included in that group are the reigning DYW of Royal City and Mattawa, Makynlee Miller and Marleny Garcia.

The event, formerly called Washington's Junior Miss Program, is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Washington State University's Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Judges will select the state's representative to the national program planned next summer in Mobile, Ala.

Washington's new titleholder, first runner-up and second runner-up will receive college scholarships, as will others that are selected for program awards.

A $300 Spirit Award, two preliminary $250 scholastic scholarships and a $750 overall award for scholastic achievement also will be awarded. In addition, two $250 preliminary awards will be announced in four other judging categories: judges' interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.

The teens will stay with Pullman families: Amy and Doug Cox, Jeanne and Jon Fairbanks, Sherree and Todd Komp, Janet and Kevin Poitra, Laura and Judd Preece, Ana Maria and Cotton Sears, Julie and Derrick Walker, Kevin and Sara Mader, Tom and Linda Tippett.

Pullman Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and Cougar Country Drive In will host the program participants for lunches during the week.

Kendall Earl of Moses Lake is the current Distinguished Young Woman of Washington for 2011-12. She was selected a year ago.