Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX - A sound man in a McGregor shirt hurried up the aisle.
Eleven girls paraded in to the song, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," the first girl approaching the microphone for introductions. Her words were muffled.
Take Two.
The narrator then announced the wrong year in the dastardly introduction of the superhero-themed Distinguished Young Woman of Colfax event, staged for a practice taping Monday night at First Baptist Church.
"Stop," called a voice in front. An exchange followed between the narrator over the speakers and co-chair Connie Ellis sitting in the first row of the church.
"Welcome to our marriage," she said.
Take three.
The show went on.
Physical fitness began, six contestants hitting a tough pace to music as family and friends watched from the pews.
"Stop," came the voice again from the front row. "I'm sorry, we're missing numbers on the girls."
Indeed, no numbers were attached to the bottom of their T-shirts.
Do over. But another physical fitness group went, so the first girls could rest.
On to talent. Sidney Appel was called "Sarah." A contestant's gown collided with the overhead light at the piano.
It was okay. Each girl was given two performances to choose one to go on the final video of the night, which may go before judges if the actual Distinguished Young Women of Colfax live showing never happens – due to the latest restrictions in Washington regarding COVID-19 – the same thing which sent the local DYW event last March at the high school to June at the Baptist Church.
Kari Largent was crowned then for the Class of 2021, and later she was named 2021 Distinguished Young Woman of Washington, virtually.
Fast forward five months and a much-fuller show was possible, though still not at the high school auditorium, as no outside activities are permitted due to virus concerns.
Planning, writing and choreography began for this year's event in October, after Ellis, and co-chair Joanne Eng, decided to host the event in the fall to avoid a logjam of activity in the spring with delayed sports seasons.
Three senior boys - Jacob Brown, Sam Kopp and Kolby Slate - were chosen to play the show's villains, with full choreographed dances.
"They work as hard as the girls," Ellis said.
The Monday production wrapped up at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.
It will now go on hold as this Saturday's planned performance at the church has been canceled. Hope continues for the chance to put on a full show at the high school sometime in the spring, to sell its usual 800 tickets to help fund the scholarships the girls compete for.
Now they wait.
"It's been a fast, crazy ride," Ellis said.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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