Fourteen seek state DYW title

Washington Junior Miss Kendyl Druffel of Colton escorts Pullman's May Qiang of Pullman across the Beasley stage during the awards ceremony. Qiang was selected DYW first runner-up and also won the spirit award and one of the talent awards with her piano performance.

Jana Osborne of Moses Lake topped the state Distinguished Young Woman competition Saturday night at Beasley Coliseum. Osborne, who also won four competition awards, was presented the state medal by Colton's Kendyl Druffel, who wrapped up her year as winner of the state competition.

The event awards two medals for each of the competition events, and Osborne was one of the winners in the fitness, talent, self-expression and judges' interview categories.

May Qiang of Pullman was named first runner-up for the event which totaled 14 girls from around the state. Qiang also received one of the talent competition awards with her piano performance. She also received the "DYW Spirit" award.

The state title includes a $3,000 cash scholarship with a $2,000 scholarship offer from Washington State University. The runner-up award is a $1,200 scholarship, and the spirit award is a $300 scholarship.

Jantzen Larsen of Colfax and Ali Hennigar of Colton also competed in the 60th edition of the event.

Shirley Sears of Pullman, long-time choreographer for the competition, was presented with an honorary Distinguished Young Woman medal.

Winner Jana Osborne of Moses Lake.

Ali Hennigar of Colton competed in the talent portion with a dance routine in the state event. All three local entrants were int same competition group.

Janzen Larsen of Colfax performs plays the grand piano her tale presentation on the Beasley Coliseum stage in the state event.