2018's top stories: Vanek takes state DYW crown

Tayma Vanek, now in her senior year at Colfax High School, became the fourth Colfax entrant to win the state Distinguished Young Woman title in the 2018 edition which was at Pullman Aug. 4. She topped a entry of 11 contestants from around the state in the event which moved to the Pullman High School auditorium.

Vanek became the first state winner from Colfax since Stephanie Eng won the state title in what was then the America's Junior Miss competition in 2005. Sharon Marler of Colfax won the state title in 1977, and Linda Felber, who was a judge last August, won in 1964 and went on to win the national title.

The daughter of G. Todd and Amy Vanek of Colfax, Tayma also was a co-winner in three of the event's competition segments. They included self-expression, talent and the judges' interview. Each event carried a $250 prize. She performed a piano solo, "Waterfall" by John Schmidt, which she also played while winning the Colfax DYW event.

Keeley Burnes of Clarkston was named first runner-up at the state event, and Daphne Felsted of Pullman was second runner-up.

Burnes was a co-winner with Vanek in the judge's interview and talent segments. She is the daughter of Tiffany Coles of Clarkston and the granddaughter of Tim and Tina Coles, former long-time teachers at Garfield/Palouse.

Felsted, daughter of Devon and Deborah Felsted of Pullman, was a co-winner of the interview segment with Vanek and a co-winner of the fitness event with Burnes.

The national Distinguished Young Woman event will be June 27-29 in Mobile, Ala., and Tayma will depart two weeks ahead of time to begin preparations for the event.

Tayma this fall competed on the Colfax cross-country team which marked a best-ever team finish in the state race at Pasco. She plans to again compete on the the Colfax track team this spring at the end of her senior year.

Tayma has been accepted at Southern Virginia University where she plans to study psychology with the goal of some day becoming a high school counselor.