Some of the Distinguished Young Women contestants listen as another participant answers a question Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce lunch. Ketchikan’s Emma Scott is fourth from the left.
Eight young women from across the state are in Ketchikan this week for the annual Distinguished Young Women scholarship competition.
The competitors are Emma Scott of Ketchikan, Eva Kowalski and Patricia Jackson of Petersburg, Nicole Gaikowski and Payton Poston of North Pole, Elissia Dobbs of Kasilof, Lena Andrist of Palmer and Emelia Van Wyhe of Copper River Valley.
The young women attended Wednesday’s Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce lunch, and answered a few questions.
“I got involved with Distinguished Young Women because for the past three years, our fantastic counselor Robert McClory has had me volunteering for the DYW program,” Scott said. “So I’ve been able to see what it’s about, what the girls do and what an amazing experience it is, and that’s why I got involved.”
Also here for the contest is last year’s winner, Deven Inch of Anchorage, who wowed local judges in 2012 with her talent, a solo performance on the marimba.
The state competition takes place each year in Ketchikan, and is organized by local representative Robert McClory. The participants compete in various categories, including interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.
Saturday’s winner will travel to Mobile, Alabama, for the national competition. The local event starts at 7 p.m. at Ketchikan High School auditorium.
