DYW of Idaho sets Oct. 10 scholarship competition

High school senior girls from across Idaho will join in Idaho Falls for the Distinguished Young Women of Idaho program to be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10, at The Frontier Center for the Performing Arts in Idaho Falls. 

Participants will compete for $48,300 in college scholarships and the opportunity to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho for 2027.

The program is open to the public.  Tickets will be available at the door for $15. The showcases will be held at 7 p.m. Friday night, 10 a.m. Saturday morning, with the winner being announced in the showcase that begins at 7 p.m. Saturday night.

The 35 young women competing will be evaluated by a panel of five judges in the following categories: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%), and Self-Expression (15%). The participant selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho will advance to the national level at the 70th Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Ala., on June 24, 25 and 26, 2027, where she will join with 49 other representatives from across the country in competing for cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America.

Distinguished Young Women of Idaho welcomes the following participants to Idaho Falls: 

Jorja Jelinek, Lewiston; Bella Spencer, West Jefferson; Presley Giles, Magic Valley; Shelby Wentzel, St. Maries; Brynlee Chapman, Rigby; Halle Walker, Blackfoot; Ella Gonzelez, Mountain Home; Julia Smyth, Camas Prairie; Taylor Neppl, South Fremont; Kaycee Venable, Malad; Brynlee Tew, Firth/Shelley; Eleonore Delton, Madison; Klara Lakey, Kuna; Aaliyah Rex, Kendrick/Juliaetta; Hallie Huntsman, Ririe; Addie Falter, Aberdeen; Nya Burbank, Boise Valley; Brooklyn Poulson, South Mini-Cassia; Olivia Smith, Potlatch; Atley Jones, North Mini-Cassia; Milee Dayley, Pocatello/Chubbuck; Tessa Stoner, Troy; Mackley White, Franklin County; Izzy McLaughlin, Sandpoint; Talli Craig, Canyon Valley; Lily Schauerhamer, Ashton; Sophia Weathers, Snake River; Malia Murdock, Bonners Ferry; Brooklyn Porter, Caribou County; Olivia Harker, Bonneville County; Leilana Moncur, Teton; Charlotte Riverman, Moscow; Miley Grieser, Genesee; Ashlynn Korff, Priest River; and Kobi Lewis, Sugar/Salem.

For more information on Distinguished Young Women of Idaho, please contact Darady Michaelson at 208-521-0011 or [email protected].

Founded in 1958, America’s Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include City of Mobile, Mobile County, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens, John Cauley Jeweler, and Alabama Media Group.