Distinguished Young Woman pageant Saturday
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 years AGO
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | April 3, 2018 3:00 AM
MOSES LAKE — Three high school juniors will vie for the title of Moses Lake Distinguished Young Woman in the annual pageant at 7 p.m. Saturday at Moses Lake High School, 803 E. Sharon Ave.
The three contestants for 2018 are Renee Ohs, Rachel Law and Lexie Gaither. The program is open to high school juniors only.
Chris Voigt returns as the master of ceremonies, and the program will feature a performance by Jana Osborne, the 2017 Moses Lake Distinguished Young Woman. Osborne won the Washington state program last August, and will represent the state in the national pageant this summer.
The 2018 pageant will be the finale for longtime co-chairs Bonnie Dorris and Jeni Chandler, who have volunteered their time for the pageant for about 20 years. “We would love to see past participants and families come to the pageant and visit with us,” Dorris said.
The program also will feature performances from the Ballet Academy of Moses Lake, Today’s Generation Dance and Dance FX. “There’s a lot going on,” Dorris said. “We want the girls to have a great evening.”
Contestants perform a routine highlighting their individual talents, answer an unscripted question and participate in a group fitness routine. All contestants are interviewed by the judges before the program, and the judges also review each girl’s scholastic record.
Renee Ohs is the daughter of Daniel and Kyla Ohs, and will perform a vocal solo. Rachel Law will perform an acting and singing skit. She is the daughter of Richard and Shani Law. Lexie Gaither is the daughter of Wendi Welson and Paul Gaither and will perform a dance solo.
The winner advances to the Washington Distinguished Young Women pageant in August. The winner and first and second runners-up represent Moses Lake at events around the state.
The winner and first and second runners-up receive scholarships for college or post-secondary training, Dorris said. Scholarships also are awarded in the talent, self-expression, fitness, community outreach and interview categories. The contestants vote on the spirit award, given to one girl; it also comes with a scholarship.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door, or by texting Chandler, 509-771-9162, or Dorris, 509-750-1781.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].
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