Perez, DYW seniors to compete for scholarships

Nineteen Washington high school seniors are traveling to Pullman at the end of the month to compete in the 2012-13 Distinguished Young Women scholarship program.

The young women arrive in Pullman on July 31 to begin practicing several stage routines that will highlight the competition that beings at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, at Washington State University’s Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.

Danielle Kallaher, program co-chair, said each participant is performing a talent number and participating 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 is going to be awarded.

Those participating in the 2011-12 program include Allison Fox, Almira-Coulee-Hartline (ACH); Mikayla Martin, Asotin; Jessica Tidwell, Buckley; Mallorie Powell, Chewelah; Raeann VanSickle, Clarkston; Lindsay Webber, Colfax; Jordana Dahmen, Colton-Uniontown; Sommer Boyd, Connell/North Franklin; Andria Strite, Davenport; Kelsey Mazzoni, Ellensburg; Nicole Decker, Enumclaw; Nicole Renard, Kennewick; Ashley Ells, Leavenworth; Marleny Garcia, Mattawa; Camiel Bruneel, Moses Lake; Brooke Roylance, Othello; Shayla Robinson, Pullman; Amalia Perez, Ritzville; and Makynlee Miller, Royal City.

The participants are staying with Pullman families several days while rehearsing for the onstage program Saturday at the coliseum.

This is the 55th year of the scholarship program.

The 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.

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