Kelsie Fielding wins Distinguished Young Women Competition

IDAHO FALLS:   The Distinguished Young Women of Firth/Shelley held their pageant this past Saturday, March 11, at the Civic Auditorium in Idaho Falls.  A whopping 16 contestants from Firth and Shelley vied for the title and the scholarship money awarded to specific individuals based on their scoring in certain events within the competition.

WATCH KELSIE FIELDINGS SELF EXPRESSION

WATCH SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SEGMENT OF THE PROGRAM

WATCH THE FINAL MOMENT OF THE PAGEANT.

WATCH KELSIE FIELDINGS REACTION TO WINNING THE PAGEANT

The competition began with an opening number performed by the DYW contestants. Master of ceremonies Joy Mickelson welcomed the crowd to the event.  She then recognized the first three judges of the impaneled six judges.

Then, one-half of the group performed their physical fitness routine before the judges. Then, the other half of the group performed their talents. The first group then did their self-expression event. This is where each girl is presented individually on the stage and answers a question prepared by the judges. The question was if you could write one word for the whole world to see, what would it be?

Following the performance’s first half, the master of ceremonies recognized the remaining judges on the panel. This was followed by a performance by past DYW contestants to the theme, “forget me not.â€

Then the program repeated itself, wherein the other half of the group performed their physical fitness routine, talent, and self-expression.

The judges were then excused to go tally their votes. Following a lengthy intermission, while the judges scored the event, the crowd’s attention was turned to the current DYW 2023 Representative, Mallory Erickson. The video montage of her year as the DYW representative was played for the audience. It was followed by an endearing and funny dance with her father on the stage.

According to the DYW Program Manual, the contest consists of five categories: scholastics (25 points), interview with judges (25 percent, talent (20 percent), fitness for (15 percent), and self-expression (15 percent).

The young contestants were judged on these categories and awarded scholarships based on their scores.  WATCH THIS PORTION OF THE PROGRAM.

After the scholarships were awarded, the three top winners of the DYW pageant were announced. WATCH THE FINAL MOMENT OF THE PAGEANT.

The young women who ran in the pageant are as follows:
Lily Christensen, who performed a tumble and cheer.
Breanna Williams, who performed a vocal with a guitar.
McCall Murdoch, who performed a lyrical dance.
Kyrah Ashcraft, who performed a vocal with the guitar.
Ashlyn Haworth, who performed a piano piece.
Kaitlin Smith, who performed a Metallica guitar piece.
Jalynn Arriaga, who performed a contemporary dance.
Anastasia Taylor, who performed a vocal and dance routine.
Reese Clinger, who performed a musical theater piece.
Meeka Jolley, who sang a rap song.
Londyn Thompson, who performed a lyrical dance.
Sophia Killpack, who performed a vocal solo.
Ava Newman, who performed a contemporary dance.
Avery Byington, who performed a vocal while playing the piano.
Ayris Blonquist, who performed a lyrical dance.
Kelsie Fielding, who performed a vocal while playing the guitar.