Colfax Distinguished Young Women program makes 2024 comeback

COLFAX — The Colfax Distinguished Young Woman Program is making a comeback in 2024, with seven girls participating for the title on Friday, Mar. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Colfax Jr/Sr High School Auditorium with a spy theme of Mission: Possible.

Program Coordinator Joanne Eng said that last year was the first year they did not put the program on since Colfax started participating in 1959.

“We’re very excited to pick it back up,” Eng said, noting that last year’s lack of program was due to not many girls wanting to participate. “We’re back with seven strong this year, and we’re excited to keep going,” she said.

The young women participating this year are Marchele McNeilly, daughter of Curt and Stephanie McNeilly; Paige Coking, daughter of Travis and Jill Cocking; Karley Wigen, daughter of Pete and Brandy Wigen; Sunni Ng, daughter of Wally Ng and Yu Ci Mei; Dory Doty, daughter of Frances Doty; Ava Swan, daughter of David and Allie Cofer; and Claire Rowland, daughter of Rob Rowland and Andrea Barrett.

Eng said that, for the most part, half of the score is about scholastic achievement and a personal one-on-one 10-minute interview with a panel of five judges.

“The judge’s interview we give them is invaluable,” Eng said, noting that many young women have said it is the most valuable part of it for getting them accustomed to public speaking and able to be asked questions and form a thought on the spot.

The young women must also participate in self-expression and a 90-second talent.

The on-stage program will be 15% physical, talent worth 20%, and self-expression and public speaking worth 15%.

Eng said the Distinguished Young Woman Program is done nationally, adding that it is put together by hundreds of volunteers who have been in the program themselves or are parents who see what it has done for their daughters.

“It’s really great for their personal growth and their confidence building, and it’s a lot of fun,” Eng said, adding that one of the DYW platforms is “Be your Best Self,” giving the young women a chance to help their community and reach out to inspire other girls to be healthy, studious, and responsible young women.