Distinguished Young Women contestants announced

COLFAX – Four local girls are competing for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Colfax.

They are Kendall Clinton, Olivia Ng, Ellie Nails and Cadence Monson.

Clinton is the daughter of Mark and Cheryl Clinton. Her talent is sign language.

Ng is the daughter of Eddy Ng and Molly Ng. She performs playing the piano.

Nails is the daughter of David and Lori Nails. Her talent is singing and playing ukulele.

Monson is the daughter of Kent and Jessica Monson. She is playing the piano.

The program starts at 7 p.m. March 19 in the Colfax Junior and Senior High School Auditorium,

There is a cost to attend the event.

Scholarships are also supported by the generous donations of Colfax area businesses and other members of the community.

Palouse - High school juniors Laynie Southern, Kendra Lentz and Ava Hemphill will participate in the Distinguished Young Women of Garfield-Palouse local program.

This year's theme is "Be Your Own Hero," and the in-person showcase event will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 27 in the Garfield School auditorium.

The girls will be evaluated by a panel of five judges in the following categories: scholastics (25%), interview (25%), talent (20%), fitness (15%) and self-expression (15%).

The winning contestant will advance to the state program, with a chance to become the Distinguished Woman of Washington.

Southern would like to study biology at Carroll College in Montana.

She will be showcasing her talent as an artist by speed painting a portrait during the event.

Southern is the daughter of Tim and Tami Southern. She's also the school's only girl wrestler.

Lentz plans to attend Washington State University, with her major yet to be decided.

For her talent, she will be performing the chorale from "Jupiter," by Gustav Holst on her clarinet.

She is the daughter of Brian and Cathy Lentz.

Hemphill plans to attend a trade school upon graduation, and is interested in welding.

She will be singing and playing her guitar to the song, "Zombie," by The Cranberries. She is the daughter of Gordon and Tereasa Hemphill.

There is a cost to attend the pageant. Donations to the scholarship fund are being accepted by the Palouse Chamber of Commerce.