BONNERS FERRY - Cali Iacolucci was named the 2021-'22 Distinguished Young Woman for Bonners Ferry before a delighted crowd at Saturday's annual scholarship program.

She receives a $2,600 scholarship, the official DYW medallion, and a photography session with Sara Grace Photography. Iacolucci will represent the community at the state program in Idaho Falls on Oct. 1-2.

Isabella Sims was named first finalist, and receives $1,900 scholarship. Rose Owens was named second finalist, and receives a $1,200 scholarship.

The five category awards — fitness, scholastics, judge's interview, talent and self-expression — went to:

• Self Expression Award, which includes an $850 cash scholarship to the college of the winner's choice, went to Cali Iacolucci.

• Fitness Award, which includes an $850 cash scholarship to the college of the winner's choice, went to Camille Ussher.

• Scholastic Award, which includes a $1,000 cash scholarship to the college of the winner's choice as well as a gift certificate to The Badger's Den, was presented to two participants: Rose Owens and Cali Iacolucci.

• Talent Award, which includes an $850 cash scholarship to the college of the winner's choice, went to Isabella Sims.

• Judges Interview Award, which includes an $850 cash scholarship to the college of the winner's choice, went to Cali Iacolucci.

Sierra Petesch was named the recipient of the Spirit Award, which is voted by the contestants and presented to the participant who displays the true spirit of the program. She receives an $850 cash scholarship to the college of her choice.

Aleah Clark was named the recipient of the Be Your Best Self Award, which includes an $850 cash scholarship to the college of her choice. The award is presented to the participant whom the DYW committee feels best represents the five elements of the Be Your Best Self Outreach program.

Also taking part in the program were Eika Willis, Elizabeth Bourassa, and Reagan Fairchild.

The theme of this year’s program, which was held at Bonners Ferry High School's Becker Auditorium, was “Believe.”

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential through continued education, by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, organizers said. It encourages them to develop their self-confidence in a positive peer environment and participate in life skills workshops that prepare them for success after high school.

Each Distinguished Young Women program evaluates participants in the following categories: scholastics, 25% of overall score; interview, 25% of overall score; talent, 20% of overall score; fitness, 15% of overall score; and self-expression, 15% of overall score.