Jantz receives scholarship during DYW program

Colton-Uniontown’s Distinguished Young Woman is now Washington’s representative to the 2017 Distinguished Young Women national scholarship program.

Kendyl Druffel, the daughter of Lonnie and Nick Druffel, was selected Saturday, Aug. 6, during the annual state program held at Washington State University’s Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.

Fifteen school seniors from across Washington performed to an enthusiastic audience of families and friends at the program’s competition. More than $10,000 in college scholarships and awards were shared among the young women.

The Colton High School senior received a $3,000 cash scholarship with her title. She also won $150 Self Expression and Interview judging category awards. In addition, she won the $300 Spirit Award, selected by the contestants themselves. WSU, too, offers the winner a $2,000 scholarship. Druffel will go on to compete at the annual program in Mobile, Ala., next summer.

The first runner-up, Elisabeth Barlow, DYW of Moses Lake, received a $1,000 scholarship. The Moses Lake High School senior also earned $150 awards in Fitness, Talent, and Self Expression. Her parents are Brian and Esther Barlow.

LaCrosse’s DYW, Lauren Claassen, was the second runner-up. She received a $600 scholarship.

A $150 Interview category scholarship went to Ritzville’s DYW, Tessa Jantz, daughter of Donna Koch and Steve Jantz.

Julia Galindo, Clarkston’s DYW, won the $500 Overall Scholastic Award. Chewelah’s DYW, Kathryn Hilzinger, received $150 awards in Talent and Scholastic categories. Salma Preppernau, DYW from Ellensburg, earned a $150 Scholastic Award.

Asotin’s DYW, Kaytlyn Barnea, received a $150 Fitness award.

The participants were evaluated by a panel of judges in the following categories: Scholastics, Interview, Fitness, Self-Expression and Talent.