PULLMAN, Wash.—Twenty school seniors across the state arrive in Pullman on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to vie for scholarships in Washington’s Distinguished Young Women’s program for 2010-11.
The event, formerly called Junior Miss, to select the state’s representative to a national program next summer is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at Washington State University’s Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
Washington’s new titleholder, first runner-up and second runner-up will receive college scholarships.
A Spirit of Junior Miss Scholarship, two preliminary scholastic scholarships and an overall award for scholastic achievement also will be awarded. In addition, two preliminary awards will be announced in four other judging categories: judges’ interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.
Judges for the August program will be Lynn Bruce, Lacrosse; Lenne Jo Best, America’s Junior Miss 1976; Debbie Fucile, Spokane; David Weber, Spokane; and Julie Yokeo, College Place.
Those participating in the 2010 program include Corinne McClure, Arlington; Melanie Clarke, Asotin; Becca Allpress, Buckley; Kayla Kofmehl, Chewelah; Brandilyn Beutler, Clarkston; Emily Ledbetter, Colfax; Mikayla Nygreen, Colton/Uniontown; Laryn Wells, Connell/North Franklin; Samantha Sawyer, Davenport; Ava Izdepski, Edmonds; Holly Spencer, Ellensburg; Julia Harris, Enumclaw; Amanda Scott, Leavenworth; Gladys Martinez, Mattawa; Rianne Jones, Moses Lake; Emily Carlson, Pullman; Bailey Wiedmer, Reardan-Edwall; Chaunte White, Ritzville; Victoria Solis, Royal City; and Christa Gentili, Spokane Valley.
During the week, the teens will stay with Pullman families: Tom and Linda Tippett, Ashley and Clint Herridge, Mike and Michelle Kinkade, Dawn and Steve Watts, Ed and Laura Tingstad, Kevin and Janet Poitra, Kellie Murphy, Judd and Laura Preece, Lori White, Sherree and Todd Komp, and Ana Maria and Cotton Sears.
Co-chairs of the 2010 program are Danielle Kallaher of Pullman and Margo Balzarini, of Colfax. Board president of the state program is Mitch Chandler of Pullman. Board of director officers include Mitch Chandler, president; Diane Marsh, secretary; and Patty Greenberg, treasurer, all of Pullman. Board members are Tricia Benton, Mary Jo Chandler, Michelle Kinkade, Edie Talbot and Carissa Little, all of Pullman; and Cayme Sunwold of Lacrosse.
Mattie Bergeson of Moses Lake is the current Washington’s Junior Miss for 2009-10. She was selected a year ago during the annual state competition, and recently competed in the 2010 national program. The Washington representative returned with $5,000 in scholarships. Carlson was named in the Top Ten and won $1,000 scholarships in both Talent and Fitness judging categories during the June competition in Mobile, Ala.
Tanae Bergerson of Moses Lake is mistress of ceremonies. Shirley Sears of Pullman is choreographer.
Also helping with the state program are Patricia Pate, Chris Vanharn, Tim Marsh, Rick Wayenberg and Sue Hinz all of Pullman; Sally Elder of Garfield; Monica Druffel of Colton; Teresa Hudak of Spokane; and Monica, Jake, Jeremy and Jilian Headley of Mead.
Scholastic judges are Julie Pomerenk, WSU registrar; Lynda Carey, Office of the WSU Graduate School, retired; and Fran Hermanson, WSU Student Affairs Research.
Advance tickets are available through TicketsWest, 1-800-325-SEAT, or at TicketsWest.com. Tickets also will be available at the door. All tickets for the program are $20.
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Some details about the newly rebranded program and general history of the Junior Miss program are available at www.ajm.org.