Camille Neuder competes in virtual DYW program

In July, the Distinguished Young Women of Idaho Board of Directors made the difficult decision to move the Idaho State Program to a digital format. While this wasn’t an easy decision, it was one that could provide meaningful experience while also keeping all participants, volunteers, and audience members safe and healthy during the current health crisis.

Originally scheduled to take place in Idaho Falls Oct. 2-3, the program will now be broadcasted via Zoom’s webinar capability for anyone to view Oct. 1-3 at 7 p.m. (PST). Please follow Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint on Facebook where a link will be shared each individual night.

Distinguished Young Woman of Sandpoint, Camille Neuder, along with 34 young women throughout the state will be competing for college scholarships. They will be evaluated virtually by a panel of five judges in the following categories: scholastics (25%), interview (25%), talent (20%), fitness (15%), and self-expression (15%). The participant selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho will advance to the national program in Mobile, Alabama, scheduled for June 2021.

DYW of Sandpoint committee members said they are proud of Camille for embracing the changes to the state program this year. “The digital format increased her already busy schedule, but she persevered throughout all the necessary steps with a smile and positive attitude, and took every opportunity to prepare as best as she could for her digital experience,” they said in a press release. “We thought it best to hear from Camille herself in a quick interview.”

Q: Are you excited about the upcoming state program?

A: “Yes! I have heard for years from my older sister (who was also the DYW for Sandpoint) that the state experience changed her life, and heard countless stories about the friends she made that she is still in contact with years later. I now understand what she meant just by being a part of such an empowering and inspirational community. Being a part of the state program has been exciting for me from the first day, and I can't wait to see it through.”

Q: How did you prepare?

A: “I have been lucky enough to be blessed with a WONDERFUL local committee who has really helped me through this experience at every step along the way. Julie Nolan and Aundrea Wolf especially have gone above and beyond in organizing mock interviews, holding talent rehearsals, helping me stay on top of all the various due dates, and even learning the fitness routine along with me! I couldn't do it without them, and because of their help, I have felt confident in my preparation, effort, and overall participation so far in this program.” 

Q: You have already competed in a live local program, how is it adjusting to a digital State Program?

A: “Of course like all new things, the digital program instead of a live one took some time to adjust to, but the circumstances under why it is digital makes me so grateful that I have been able to participate in it at all. I do miss the memories I made in person during the local program, but I have definitely grown closer to my committee, as well as just grown a lot as an individual throughout this digital experience.”

Q: Have you had an opportunity to meet or communicate with the other participants?

A: “Although I haven't had the chance to meet any of them in person (aside from one girl from CDA I met last year through Drama State prior to any DYW experience), I still have been able to get to know some of these incredible girls. We have a group chat with all of us where we have not stopped talking since the beginning of August. They are all such inspirational distinguished young women, and I hope that someday I can meet them all in person.”

Q: What will you do if you are named the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho?

A: “The DYW program is about finding your voice and sharing it with the community to bring others up with you as you continue to grow. If I were to be named the DYW of Idaho, I would want to help use my platform to share that message to as many young girls as possible and really try to help anyone know that they are capable of succeeding at anything they set their mind to. I would also want to help launch several different volunteer projects to help better my community, as well as neighboring communities as I continued my journey towards nationals.”

If you would like to send a message of support and encouragement to Camille, please do so at sandoint@distinguishedyw.org, and watch for her on Zoom on Oct. 1-3 as she proudly represents Sandpoint at the State Program.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, developing their self-confidence and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Encore Rehabilitation, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management, Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Tara Principe, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Tara@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.