This year's Colfax DYW contestants

COLFAX - The Colfax Distinguished Young Women participants are gearing up for their showcase on Friday, Mar. 22, practicing their talents, routines and learning from the program.

In an interview with the Gazette on Monday, Mar. 4, the girls made time from their busy schedules between school, class and sports to speak individually about what the program means to them so far.

Many of the girls said they had gained a closer camaraderie with their participating classmates. "I've gotten to be closer to my classmates, and I've gained confidence," Colfax Junior Ava Swan said.

Pullman Junior Sunni Ng said she hadn't been to Colfax since she went to Pullman, so seeing all the girls' faces means a lot to her. "My favorite part is giving my secret sister her DYW gift; it's always fun to see her reaction," Ng said.

"My favorite part is when I have downtime to bond with all the girls participating with me," said Colfax Junior Karly Wigen, noting that snacks during the downtime are also a big plus.

Colfax Junior Marchelle McNeilly also agreed that one of her biggest takeaways from the program is gaining a deeper connection one-on-one with her classmates who are also participating.

"My favorite part is getting to know the girls," said Colfax Junior Dory Doty, adding that the program has allowed her to know them on a different level than just school and sports.

Colfax Junior Paige Cocking also said that her favorite part was getting closer to her classmates. "I consider them good friends now," Cocking said.

"I've gained a great relationship with the girls in my class," said Colfax Junior Claire Rowland, adding that it's a different experience than classroom and sports.

The girls would all agree that they each have specific experiences gained from the programs they enjoy.

The fitness routines have been enjoyable for Swan, McNeilly and Ng.

"My favorite part is the fitness routine because you get to learn a routine," said Swan, quickly adding her talent is also a favorite part since she gets to share her passion for playing the piano.

McNeilly also enjoys the fitness routine dance skits since she is a cheerleader. "Feels like a main character moment being on stage," she said.

For Ng, being able to do a push-up during the fitness routine was something that stuck out so far in her experience with the DYW program.

Doty said the program had increased her self-worth, "It's interesting to watch myself learn about different topics, things I didn't know how to do," she said.

"It's been so much more than I thought it would be. I'm very glad I made the choice to do it," said McNeilly.

The Colfax Distinguished Young Woman Program is coming back for 2024 on Friday, Mar. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Colfax Jr/Sr High School Auditorium with a spy theme of Mission: Possible.

Tickets are sold by participants.