MATTAWA - After more than an hour of presentations of talent, fitness, communication and poise, the judges chose Bianca Ramirez as 2014 Mattawa Distinguished Young Woman on March 24.

The competition among five Wahluke High School juniors took place in the school's auditorium. Except for the interviews, all activities were conducted with a large audience.

Marisabel Tirado and Alondra Rodriguez were chosen first and second alternate. Each of the girls won at least one of the DYW program awards.

"The program went really well," director Sharee Zirker said. "I was so proud of all the girls. I was pretty weepy the last few days of preparation as well as that night. I felt like such a proud parent. They are all such unique girls with different talents and gifts and, yet, they all were genuine and easy going. I am going to really miss them."

In addition to the contestants, others in the community made presentations to give the girls breaks between their presentations. Zirker was overjoyed and appreciative.

"Guest talents were all pretty amazing," she said. "We have so much talent right here in our community."

Zirker was also laudatory of the volunteers who, she said, made the program a success. She said the entire committee made her job easier.

"I couldn't have done any of this without the help of Cherice Zirker, my co-chairman," she said. "She is amazing."