Lentz wins Garfield-Palouse 2023 'Distinguished' title

PALOUSE - Kendra Lentz was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Garfield-Palouse on Sunday, March 27, during a special program in the Garfield High School cafeteria

Lentz was awarded $8,050 in cash and tuition scholarships, which were contributed to by local businesses, individuals and organizations. She is the daughter of Brian and Cathy Lentz

She was selected from among a total of three contestants, including Laynie Southern and Ava Hemphill. All three are juniors at Garfield-Palouse High School.

Southern is the daughter of Tim and Tami Southern, and Hemphill is the daughter of Gordon and Tereasa Hemphill.

The scholarship amounts for the Class of 2023 event were awarded as follows:

Hemphill - Fitness Award, $250

Lentz - Spirit Award, $250; Scholastic Award, $750; Judge's Interview Award, $750; and Self-Expression Award, $450.

Southern - Talent Award, $600.

The winning medallion was presented to Kendra Lentz along with $2,000.

Southern received $1,600 as first runner-up and Hemphill received $1,200 as second runner-up.

Lentz will represent the Garfield-Palouse communities and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program's national outreach message of "Be Your Best Self," organizers said.

The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles - be healthy, involved, studious, ambitious and responsible.

She will also participate in the state Distinguished Young Women of Washington contest in Pullman in August. \

The winner of the state event will then attend the national competition in Mobile, Ala., during the last week of June in 2023 for a chance to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America.