There was dancing, interviews, and talent galore — and, by the end of the night, there was also a new Sandpoint Distinguished Young Woman.

Ada Anderson was named Distinguished Young Woman of Sandpoint 2024 for the Class of 2025 at Saturday's program at Sandpoint Middle School. 

Anderson receives a $4,000 scholarship and will represent Sandpoint in the state program in Idaho Falls on Oct. 4-5.

Betti Travers was named first finalist, receiving a $3,000 scholarship; and Zella Lopez was named second finalist, receiving a $2,000 scholarship.

"We gave a lot of thought to the theme this year and chose courage to honor all of the young women who have gone through our program," Meggie Foust, DYW Sandpoint emcee, said. "We know it takes courage to try something new."

Each of the young women who took part in the program dared to push themselves to try something new, to stand up for what they believe in, and to face possible fears.

"Courage means the ability to push yourself to discomfort in order to grow and eventually become more comfortable," Foust said, reading from a submission from one of this year's participants. "It's the ability to take people with you on the way and put yourself out there as an example. It's the ability to stand up for what you believe in, whether others agree with you or not, because you have conviction. There's the ability to humble yourself and say, 'I'm sorry,' first, or to become vulnerable, and say, 'I love you' first; facing fear so that we are not afraid. I think it's one of the most important attributes that person especially a young woman can have."

DYW Sandpoint program participants then gave examples of a time when they showed courage. Some told of a time when they had the courage to face problems head-on, choosing to get up the next day. Others told of trying something new, such as riding a horse or going off on a trip on their own.

They told of how, after facing those challenges, they learned they could try and do anything. That speaking in public no longer scared them because they had had the courage to step forward and try.

Last year's Distinguished Young Woman Aurla Palmer and first finalist Merrell Cunningham also presented during the event.

Palmer, who hopes to become a nurse, shared the monologue she gave both during the local program and at the 2023 state program. The speech focused on "10 Girls Who Changed the World" and made a difference by using their talents to help others. It was in reading a book about such young women, and realizing she wanted to changed the world and help others as a nurse.

"Maybe one day I will be your nurse," Palmer said.

Merrell Cunningham, a student at Forrest M. Bird Charter School, read four poems from her book, ranging from the realities of entering the adult world to dreaming of changing the world to her hopes for the future.

"I've always wanted to make a difference," Cunningham told the several hundred people gathered for the scholarship program.

In addition to DYW Sandpoint and the two finalists, a number of additional awards were presented at the Saturday program. Those awards, and the individuals to whom they were presented, are:

Spirit Award — Betti Travers, who receives a $500 scholarship for being selected for the honor.

Be Your Best Self — Betti Travers and Zella Lopez were named the winners of the award; each will receive a $600 scholarship for their selection.

Scholastics — Betti Travers and Zella Lopez; each will receive a $800 scholarship for their selection.

Interview — Madison Hall and Betti Travers; each will receive a $800 scholarship for their selection.

Talent — Ada Anderson and Zella Lopez; each will receive a $750 scholarship

Fitness — Ada Anderson and Betti Travers; each will receive a $675 scholarship for their selection.

Self-expression — Ada Anderson and Alice Davison; each will receive a $675 scholarship for their selection.

The theme of this year's program was "Courage" and each of the nine participants — Zella Lopez, Jasmine Alexander, Mira Gunter, Audrey Waldrup, Betti Travers, Madison Hall, Peyton Guercio, Alice Davison, and Ada Anderson — showed so much courage over the past few months, DYW Sandpoint officials said

    DYW Sandpoint 2024 participants Zella Lopez, Jasmine Alexander, Mira Gunter, Audrey Waldrup, Betti Travers, Madison Hall, Peyton Guercio, Alice Davison, and Ada Anderson pose for a group photo with DYW 2023 DYW Aurla Palmer and first finalist Merrell Cunningham and past participant Maddie Gunger at the conclusion of Saturday's program.