Dezarae West to compete for scholarships at state DYW program

Ritzville Distinguished Young Woman Dezarae West is one of 17 Washington high school seniors who are in Pullman this week to compete in the 2011-12 Distinguished Young Women scholarship program.

The young women arrived in Pullman on Tuesday to begin practicing several stage routines that will highlight the competition at 7 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 6) at Washington State University’s Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.

Danielle Kallaher, program co-chair, said each participant will perform a talent number and participate in fitness and self-expression routines during the evening program. The teens meet individually with a panel of judges earlier. More than $10,000 in college scholarships will be awarded.

The participants will stay with Pullman families several days while rehearsing for the on-stage program Saturday at the coliseum.

Tickets are available through TicketsWest outlets and at the door the evening of the program.

This is the 54th year of the scholarship program. Its goal is to emphasize education by providing scholarship opportunities to outstanding college-bound high school girls, and to encourage personal development in all young people, Kallaher said.

The Distinguished Young Women program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women across the country and more than $93 million in cash scholarships at the local, state and national levels. In addition to cash scholarships, Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from almost 200 colleges and universities.

More than $108 million in college scholarship opportunities were provided last year, some of which included full tuition, room and board to first-class institutions. Many participants leave the program with scholarships to help them with their college educations, but all of them walk away with friendships, life skills and increased self-confidence. Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future.

The 55th National Finals will take place in Mobile, Ala. on June 28, 29 and 30, 2012. For more information about Distinguished Young Women, visit http://www.DistinguishedYW.org.