Pullman entrant tops DYW

Rose Jao of Pullman, daughter of Jun and Wei-Chi Jao, is Washington’s Distinguished Young Woman for 2014-15 after placing first at the annual program at WSU’s Beasley Coliseum last Saturday night.

In the 57th edition of the event, formerly known as Junior Miss, fifteen high school seniors-to-be competed in the state competition for the national program.

Allison Hyer of Moses Lake was named first runner-up, and Lindsey Heflin of Clarkston took second runner-up. Heflin also won the Spirit award.

Jao won the $4,000 cash scholarship prize. She also won $200 awards for scholarship, fitness, talent, self-expression, interview and talent.

A $750 overall scholastic award went to Sarah Vesneske of Davenport.

Colfax entrant Amara Huber won a $200 award for self-expression.

Jao will represent Washington in the national Distinguished Young Women event next June in Mobile, Ala.

Linda Felber, the 1964 Junior Miss national winner from Colfax, headed the panel of judges for the competition.