Anika Blackmore crowned DYW
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April 28, 2013 |
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| It was an
emotional moment Saturday evening when
Anika Blackmore (center) was honored as
Bonners Ferry's 2013-2014 Distinguished
Young Woman. |
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Photos by Lisa Palmer
Editor's note: In the original version of
this article, I inadvertently referred to a
"second" scholastic award. There were two
scholastic awards presented, but both are equal,
with no differentiation. I regret the error.
Mike Weland
It was an evening of superlatives on the Becker
Auditorium stage Saturday as another year of
Distinguished Young Women culminated months of
hard work by 11 Bonners Ferry women and
innumerable volunteers.
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Anika
Blackmore
DYM 2013-14 |
Anika Blackmore danced her way into the hearts
of the audience and the judges, earning the
talent component, was elected the Spirit Award
by her peers, won the dreaded interview and the
title of Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young
Woman, 2013-2014, presented her by last year's
Distinguished Young Woman, Aramie Hoisington.
While there could be only one overall "winner"
in the event, none who endured the rigors of
participation, the endless practices, the mock
interviews, the study, the community service,
the workouts, the hours of their own time given
in pursuit of their very best, each participant
won.
Gaining through hard work and determination
attributes that will serve them well in whatever
opportunities and challenges their futures hold.
Poise, grace. A heightened sense of self.
Not only for themselves, because they've seen
beyond; individuals in a team that is bigger
than any one, a team of 11 people destined to be
friends forever. Individuals who faced down
their personal fears, bolstered one another,
challenged themselves. In taking the stage
Saturday night, all 11 gained attributes that
will serve them well wherever they go.
Anika danced ballet to "Little Wonders" to win
the talent portion, but Jailee Foster may have
enjoyed the most unique moment on stage.
"One of the most-appreciated moments was the
talent performance by Jailee," Lisa Palmer said.
"She presented a comedic dance as a neon
stick-man, highlighted by black light. The
audience roared as she took off her 'head' and
put on giant sunglasses. It was very original!"
Gabrielle Munson won the "Be Your Best Self"
award, McKenzie McDonald the awards for
self-expression, fitness, scholastic and first runner-up.
Brook Wilson garnered a scholastic award and
second runner-up; Aubrey Dennis earned third
runner-up.
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| Last
years Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young
Woman, Aramie Hoisington, introduces
this year's elite; (l-r) Brook Wilson,
Haiie Drake, Jailee Foster, McKayla
Moore, Aubrey Dennis, Gabrielle Munson,
McKenzie McDonald, Jocelyn Palacios,
Alexandria Jones, Anika Blackmore and
Kaley Piatz. |
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Last years'
Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Woman,
Aramie Hoisington, addressing the
audience Saturday evening on the way to
naming her successor ... |
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Contestant 11, Anika Blackmore. |
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Runners-up
were #8, McKenzie McDonald, first; #2
Brook Wilson, second; and #6 Aubrey
Dennis, third. |
| Gabrielle
Munson kneels to receive the "Be Your
Best Self" award from Sydney Hinthorn. |
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