Junior Miss participants are, quite simply, amazing people

Amazing.

It was a word you heard over and over again as the 2004-'05 Sandpoint Junior Miss court, organizers and judges looked for a way to describe the 31 young women who took part in the annual program this weekend.

The best part about it is that they are right — they're an amazingly talented, smart, funny and bright group of teens who want to be everything from forensic scientists and teachers to physicians and domestic violence counselors to artists and musicians.

From violin performances and opera to comedy skits and dancing, the 31 young women demonstrated talents that put most adults to shame — and the confidence and ability to perform in front of the hundreds of people who gathered over the weekend to watch the program.

Before the program ended, one of the program's officials read a statement that all of the teens heard at the start of this year's Junior Miss program several months ago — there are no losers, just winners who haven't had their moment yet.

Unfortunately, only one girl could be named the 2005 Sandpoint Junior Miss when any one of the 31 participants would be an outstanding ambassadors of all that's right with teens today — they're smart, bright, caring and dedicated to their families, friends and community.

With teens like those who took part in the program — Lisa Leedy, Natalie Ramsay, Alisa Welker, Sara Weissman, Katie Dickson, Jolene Wright, Kelly Peters, Amanda Fenner, Autumn Morikawa, Sally Dutson, Becky Garrison, Dani Turner, Elaina Martin, Hailey Fuqua, Beth Radonich, Carli Nelson, Janae Roche, Cassy Pooler, Danielle Schoonover, Emily Craner, Casey Pilgeram, Laura Snider, Sarah Barton, Marissa Mavity, Darcie Nutt, Annie Edwards, Rose Anthony, Nicki Sargent, Holly Stevens, Liz Bell and Kendal Burt — the world is in good hands.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.