Eight compete for Distinguished Young Woman title

MOSES LAKE - Eight high school juniors will compete for the title of Moses Lake Distinguished Young Woman in the annual program scheduled for 7 p.m. April 19 at the Moses Lake High School theater.

Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased from any participant, or at the UPS outlet, 601 South Pioneer Ave., Suite F.

The winner and first and second runners-up will receive scholarships for post-secondary education. The Distinguished Young Woman program dates back to 1988 in Moses Lake and was formerly the Junior Miss pageant. It's open to high school juniors only.

The 2014 participants are April Suarez, Elisabeth Knopp, Isabelle Cleverly, Madison Herrin, Nora Gallaway, Allison Hyer, Amanda Lance and Quincy Wilks.

Madison Herrin and Elisabeth Knopp attend Moses Lake Christian Academy, and Amanda Lance is schooled at home. The five remaining participants attend Moses Lake High School.

April Suarez is the daughter of Leonardo and Rebecca Suarez and plans to attend the University of Washington. She said she's interested in a career in environmental engineering. She plans to perform a gymnastics cheer dance during the competition.

Elisabeth Knopp is the daughter of Glen and Carol Knopp and will attend the University of Denver. She plans to major in forensic psychology. She will perform a vocal solo.

Isabelle Cleverly is the daughter of Kent and Kimberley Cleverly and plans to become a physical therapist. She will attend Brigham Young University. She has a dance solo planned for the competition.

Madison Herrin is the daughter of Jimmy and Shannon Herrin and plans to attend Cornish College of the Arts. Her goal is an acting career, preferably on stage. She will perform a vocal solo.

Nora Gallaway is the daughter of Thomas and Molly Gallaway and plans a career in linguistics. She hasn't chosen a college yet. She will recite a poetry selection during the DYW competition.

Allison Hyer is the daughter of John and Debbie Hyer and plans to attend Brigham Young University. She plans to pursue a career in psychology. She will perform a dance solo.

Amanda Lance is the daughter of Dale and Brenda Lance and will attend Central Washington University. Her goal is an acting career, with an emphasis on the stage. She will present a vocal solo.

Quincy Wilks is the daughter of Preston and Marni Wilks. She plans to become a nutritionist and attend Central Washington University. She plans a stylized clogging solo.

Each contestant is interviewed by a panel of judges prior to the public program, and the judges also review each girl's academic record. During the program, contestants are judged based on their poise on stage, the routine highlighting their talent and their performance during a group fitness routine.