10 compete in Distinguished Young Women program

MOSES LAKE - Ten high school juniors will compete for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Moses Lake and for college scholarship money later this month.

The Distinguished Young Women's Rhinestone Round-up will take place April 13 at 7 p.m. at the Moses Lake High School Theater. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Moses Lake UPS Store located next to Safeway at 601 South Pioneer Way, or from any contestant.

This year's contestants are Julisa Jones, Ally Hammer, Haley Sell, Chassady Clary, Madison Bowser, Katie Kehler, LeAnna Knittle, Jaylynn Hernandez, Christian Phillips and Madisyn Lybbert.

Event co-chair Bonnie Dorris said the girls are all juniors at Moses Lake schools. The first place winner and two runners-up will win scholarship money to pay for college or other higher education programs, said Dorris.

The contestants will be judged during the event on talent, fitness and poise. They will also be judged on their scholastic achievements and how well they perform during an interview, however those portions take place off-stage prior to the main event, said Dorris.

Dorris said the Distinguished Young Women program is in its third year under that name and was formerly the Junior Miss program. She said the name changed because to highlight that contestants are judged on academic achievements, leadership and talent and not on beauty alone.

"This is a scholarship program, not a beauty pageant," she said. "The Distinguished Young Woman is a well-rounded individual ready to go out into the world." Dorris said winners are given medals, not crowns and sashes. Dorris said proceeds from ticket sales and donations go to the program's scholarship fund. The scholarships are sent directly to the winner's college or other institution once they leave high school, said Dorris.