Five teens taking part in DYW program Saturday
Five outstanding Sandpoint High School junior girls from the Class of 2022 will participate in Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint on Saturday.
DYW is part of a national scholarship program that positively impacts the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership, and talent. Due to COVID-19 protocols, tickets will not be sold at the door. Pre-sale tickets may be purchased on or before Friday, March 12, by calling 50-347-6095 or emailing secretary.sandpointdyw@gmail.com. Adult tickets are $12 each and student/child tickets are $10 each.
The theme of this year’s program, being held at Sandpoint Middle School, is “Unstoppable” and each of the five participants — Adriana Foxx, Maddie Gunter, Lucinda Meshberg, Ali Terry, and Amanda Steiner — are ready to show the community just how unstoppable they are.
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential through continued education, by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities. It encourages them to develop their self-confidence in a positive peer environment and participate in Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school.
Each Distinguished Young Women program evaluates participants in the following categories: Scholastics, 25% of overall score; interview, 25% of overall score; talent, 20% of overall score; fitness, 15% of overall score; and self-expression, 15% of overall score.
Saturday’s winner will be awarded a $3,600 scholarship and go on to compete at the state level in Idaho Falls on Oct. 1-2. Also, $7,700 in additional scholarships will also be awarded.
“The entire Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint committee congratulates each of these amazing young ladies,” Aundrea Wolf and Julie Nolan, DYW Sandpoint co-chairpersons, said in a press release. “Throughout the last couple of months, they have grown exponentially and will never be forgotten. They are truly unstoppable and we can’t wait to see the amazing things they will accomplish. Their futures are bright with possibilities.”
Participants in 2021 Sandpoint Distinguished Young Women include:
Adriana Foxx — Adriana’s plans after graduation are to attend Boise State University with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist.
Her favorite activities include skiing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, boating, swimming, kayaking, playing piano, participating in Health Occupations Students of America, and youth groups. Her achievements include honor roll, Pays to Get A’s, Student of the Month, STEM finalist and placing in the Math is Cool Competition.
Adriana’s interests are medicine, cooking and baking, music, and spending time with family.
For her talent she will be playing “Solfeggietto In C Minor” by Bach on the Piano.
Maddie Gunter — Maddie plans to attend the University of Idaho, where her goals is to become a high school teacher and a professional barrel racer. Her activities include Bonner County 4-H, SHS Mentors, SHS Monticola, and barrel racing.
Maddie’s achievements include Bonner County 4-H Top Horse Showman in 2017, 2019/2020 Bonner County Fair Princess, Idaho State 4-H Horse Bowl Team, 2018 SHS Volleyball JV2 Most Inspirational Player, and marksman first class of the Sandpoint Junior Rifle Club. Her interests are rodeo/barrel racing, country and classic rock music, movies, agriculture, and giving back to members of her community.
For Maddie’s talent she will perform a barrel racing demonstration.
Lucinda Meshberg — Lucinda currently undecided on her college and career goals.
Her activities include choir, acting, sewing, singing, drums, painting, piano, swimming, baking and skiing. Her achievements are Music Conservatory of Sandpoint honors and the Tom Rhodda Award. Other interests are songwriting, starting a business, learning, languages and history.
For Lucinda’s talent she will be Singing “Till There Was You” by Meredith Wilson, from the popular 1957 Broadway Musical "The Music Man".
Ali Terry — Ali plans to attend the University of Idaho to become an elementary school teacher.
Her activities include drama, crafting, paddle boarding, hiking and baking. Ali’s achievements include placing second at the State Drama Team Competition in 2019, second-place medalist at the state drama competition in 2020, Presidents Award for Educational Achievement (eighth grade), and sixth grade class president.
Other interests for Ali is the human body (disease and medicine), the outdoors, childcare/babysitting, and music.
For Ali’s talent she will present a monologue called “Online Dating”, created by Jeannie Hunter.
Amanda Steiner — Amanda is planning to attend Washington State University to study physical therapy.
Her activities include the Sandpoint High School Dance Team, working at Sweet Lou’s, Studio 1 Dance Academy, summer internship at Lake Country PT, boating and hiking.
Amanda’s achievements include 2019 SHS Dance Team, best academics; 2019 SHS Dance Team, best all around; Studio 1 Competition Team 2019, MVP; 2019 and 2020 SHS Dance Team, best turns; Just For Kix Camp, Firecracker Award; Dance Team State Qualifier 2019 and 2020; Joffrey Dance qualified for many summer programs; and Joffrey Dance qualified for NYSC Dance School Programs.
Amanda’s interest include physical therapy, dancing and expressing herself without words, hiking, seeing new places, travel, and loving and supporting a family of her own.
For her talent she will be doing a lyrical dance to “Forever & Always” by Dylan Mathew.
