MOSES LAKE - Eight high school juniors will compete for the title of Distinguished Young Woman in the program scheduled for 7 p.m. April 19 at the Moses Lake High School theater.

The girls going for the title are Elisabeth Knopp, April Suarez, Madison Herrin, Amanda Lance, Nora Gallaway, Quincy Wilks, Allison Hyer and Isabelle Cleverly.

The Distinguished Young Women program in Moses Lake dates back to 1988, and was formerly the Junior Miss pageant. It's open to high school junior girls only.

Allison Hyer, Nora Gallaway, Isabelle Cleverly, Quincy Wilks and April Suarez attend Moses Lake High School. Madison Herren and Elisabeth Knopp attend Moses Lake Christian Academy and Amanda Lance is home-schooled.

Contestants are interviewed before the program, and the judges also review each girl's academic record. During the program, contestants are judged based on their poise on stage, a routine that highlights their talents and performance during a group fitness routine.

The winner and first and second runners-up will receive scholarships for college or other post-secondary training, co-chair Bonnie Dorris said.

"We are having a wonderful time with these girls. They are so much fun and infuse the room with energy," Dorris said.

In an earlier interview she said the goal of the program is to give the girls confidence and show them what they can do. The organizers want to ensure the girls get the most out of the program they can, she said.

Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased from any contestant or at the UPS Store, 601 Pioneer Way, Suite F (between Safeway and Hastings) in Moses Lake.