DYW Sandpoint program set for Saturday
Saturday, two outstanding Sandpoint High School junior girls will take part in Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint at The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint.
Part of the Class of 2024, participants in 2023 Sandpoint Distinguished Young Women are Merrell Cunningham and Aurla Palmer.
This year’s theme is “let’s get loud” and both Cunningham and Palmer are ready to show you just how loud they can be,
Doors will open at 3:15 p.m. Saturday at the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint and the program will start at 3:30 p.m. For ticket information, contact co-chairman Aundrea Wolf at sandpoint@distinguishedyw.org by March 3.
Distinguished Young Women 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.
Each Distinguished Young Women program evaluates participants in the following categories: Scholastics, 25% of the overall score; interview, 25% of the overall score; talent, 20% of the overall score; fitness, 15% of the overall score; and self-expression, 15% of the overall score.
The winner announced on Saturday, March 4, will be awarded a $4,200 scholarship and go on to compete at the state level in Idaho Falls in early October.
"The entire Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint committee congratulates each of these amazing young ladies," Arlene Mitton
DYW co-chairman, said. "Throughout the last few weeks, they have grown exponentially and will never be forgotten. We can’t wait to see the amazing things they will accomplish."
Merrell Cunningham plans to attend either the University of Mobile or the University of West Florida, where she will major in theater. A student at Forrest Bird Charter School, her favorite activities include swimming, working, reading, and writing. Some of her other interests are theater, poetry, singing and true crime.
She has been selected as Student of the Month and has received the "President’s Award for Educational Excellence."
Cunningham serves as the secretary and Vice President of the Forrest Bird Charter School’s Interact Club. For her talent, Merrell will present an original poem “Sorry … Not Sorry … For My Life of Pain” inspired by her life with chronic illness.
Aurla Palmer plans to attend Utah State where she plans to receive her degree in nursing or education. Palmer attends Sandpoint High School. Her activities include Bonner County 4-H, softball, wrestling, Business Professionals of America and Future Health Professionals.
Some of Aurla’s accomplishments include Bonner County Fair Queen, Honor Roll, Bonner County 4-H Agriculture Achievement Award, Bonner County Fair Market Goat Quality Overall Grand Champion and Key Club President. Aurla volunteers with Walk for Hope, Bonner General Health’s Heart Ball, Bonner Community Food Bank, and Sandpoint High School Mentors. She has chosen to perform an original monologue for her talent entitled “Ten Girls Who …”
The Distinguished Young Women of Sandpoint committee congratulates each of these amazing young ladies! The past few weeks have gone by quickly and the effort they have put into being their best selves is evident. We commend them for their accomplishments and couldn’t be prouder.
"So as a community, let's get loud and cheer them on," Aundrea Wolf, DYW Sandpoint co-chairman, said.
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. The program's 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, Master Boat Builders, Shoe Station and the Barkin Family, Gant Travel Management, the Coffeen Family, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
