67th annual DYW competition slated for this weekend

PULLMAN — This year’s Distinguished Young Woman program sees eight young women in Pullman to compete for representing Washington in the Distinguished Young Women Program in its 67th year.

Distinguished Young Women 2025 participants this year are Karly Wigen, Colfax, daughter of Brandy and Peter Wigen; Hailey Beckner, Garfield Palouse, daughter of Heather and David Beckner; Hayley Barnea, Clarkston, daughter of Jenny and Brandon Barnea; Holly Heitstuman, Colton-Uniontown, daughter of Bobbi and Chris Heitstuman; Allison Wood, Pullman, daughter of Jenny and Daniel Wood; Jessica Ellithrope, Ellensburg, daughter of Kim Sperry; Isabella Field, Pomeroy, daughter of Jayci and Chris Field; and Lexi Jacques, Almira Coulee Hartline, daughter of Shannon Pierce.

Participants will arrive in Pullman on Wednesday, July 31, to rehearse and get ready for the competition.

The young women will meet individually with a panel of judges the morning of the competition, Aug. 3, for the judging and scholastic achievement categories evaluated.

The competition will take place at 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, in the Pullman High School Theater, 510 Northwest Greyhound Way.

A ticket price will be at the door to help fund the Distinguished Young Women program scholarships.

According to event co-chair Danielle Kallaher, of Pullman, the reward program is to emphasize education by providing scholarship opportunities to outstanding young women and encourage personal development in young people.

The current Distinguished Young Woman of Washington representative is Sydney Ohlemann, of Ellensburg.