Terry looks back on DYW Idaho program

Thirty-five young women across the state arrived in Idaho Falls on Sept. 26 to prepare for the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho state competition. Among these 35 young ladies was Ali Terry, Distinguished Young Woman of Sandpoint.

If you are wondering what a week preparing for this program looks like, Ali gave us an inside look. “Throughout my week in Idaho Falls my days were filled with nonstop activities. On Sunday, it was the first time all the girls met each other in person and we did some activities to get to know each other better. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday it was filled with the opening number and fitness rehearsal, along with a few workshops on public speaking and interview skills. Additionally on Wednesday all the girls got together for the Days for Girls service project. On Thursday it was time for my interview along with dress rehearsal for Friday’s show. Thursday was also the day where all of the participants got to participate in an escape room. Finally on Friday and Saturday it was time for the live performances!” Ali noted that her favorite moments included “the escape room and doing the hokey pokey as a group to get the jitters out right before the live performances.”

Saturday, Oct. 2 was the final showcase where the top 10 were announced: McKenna Bryant, Boise Valley; Megan Diamond, South Magic Valley; Olivia Crapo, Sugar Salem; Rylie Neville, South Fremont; Taelor Thompson, Snake River; Ellie McBride, Blackfoot; Adelyn Thompson, Firth/Shelley; Kenadee Kuhn, Bonneville County; Morgan Blazzard, Troy; and Hailey Black, Kootenai County.

The finals showcase went on as the top 10 performed all on-stage categories one more time for the judges. By the end of the night, over $30,200 in scholarships were awarded. While Ali was not in the top 10, she said she gained new friendships, the most memorable experience, and was blessed to be among 35 amazing young women.

The scholarships awarded in each category are as follows:

Fitness went to; Kenadee Kuhn, Bonneville County (overall); Rylie Neville, South Fremont; McKenna Bryant, Boise Valley; Megan Dimond, South I Magic Valley; and Ellie McBride, Blackfoot.

Self-Expression went to: Kenadee Kuhn, Bonneville County (overall); Morgan Blazzard, Troy; Delia Hubbard, Genesee; Megan Dimond, South Magic Valley; and Hailey Black, Kootenai County.

Talent went to: Olivia Crapo, Sugar-Salem (overall); Madelyn Smith, Pocatello Chubbuck; Riley Ward, Franklin County; McKenna Bryant, Boise Valley; and Ralayna Amy, Mini-Cassia.

Scholastics went to: Autumn Russell, Moscow (overall); Delia Hubbard, Genesee; Sara Campbell, Canyon Valley; Adelyn Thompson, Firth/Shelley; and Madelyn Smith, Pocatello Chubbuck.

Interview went to: Kenadee Kuhn, Bonneville County (overall); Olivia Crapo, Sugar–Salem; Pravina Khadka, North Magic Valley; Lana Burrell, Caribou County; and Hailey Black, Kootenai County.

The Spirit scholarship was voted on by all 35 participants and awarded to Kendall Trautman, Kuna. The Be Your Best Self scholarship was awarded to Taelor Thompson, Snake River and Ellie McBride, Blackfoot.

The final Top 3 awards of the evening went to Hailey Black from Kootenai County as second alternate, Olivia Crapo from Sugar Salem as first alternate, and Kenadee Kuhn from Idaho Fall, who was named Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho.

Throughout the next year, Kenadee Kuhn will represent the state at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: be healthy, be involved, be studious, be ambitious, and be responsible.

The 65th National Finals will take place on June 23-25, 2022, in Mobile, Ala. Kuhn will travel to Mobile, along with 49 other representatives from across the country, to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2022 and for additional cash scholarships. Georgia’s Destiny Kluck, who is attending Brandeis University, was named the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2021.

Ali and our Sandpoint committee would like to congratulate all of the 35 participants for their accomplishments throughout this program! As for Ali, she has made our community proud and we look forward to working with her throughout the year as we prepare for next year’s program, held March 5, 2022, for the Class of 2023. Registration is now open and all young women graduating in 2023 are welcome to join! Register today at www.distinguishedyw.org. If you have any questions please contact Aundrea Wolf at sandpoint@distinguishedyw.org or Arlene Mitton at recruitment.sandpointdyw@gmail.com.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Its mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, 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, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management, Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.