Serving the community since 1922
Serving the community since 1922
Nicole Morris poses with her parents, Chad and Janae Morris.
DYW Nicole Morris stands with her court.
Natalie Olvera hears her name called as First Alternate.
Nicole Morris reacts after the announcement was made.
MacKenzie Toews introduces herself at the beginning of the program.
Contestants Malia Maldonado and Alyssa Espericueta perform in the Physical Fitness phase of the competition.
Violet Ortiz performed a comical monologue depicting Goldilocks's life after the Three Bears incident.
DYW Class of 2021.
Nicole Morris and Audrey McPhetridge perform the fitness routine.
Nicole Morris was named Shafter's Distinguished Young Woman for the Class of 2022 on Saturday night.
The event was held at the Ford Theater and the event was Livestreamed for those who were unable to attend. Emceed by Debbie Porwell, last year's Distinguished Young Woman Shelbee Ramos handed her title to Morris at the end of the evening.
The program has several different phases that are judged, including Physical Fitness, Self Expression, Scholastic, Interview, Talent and the Spirit Award, which is voted on by the participants themselves.
At the end of the evening, Morris's named was called, despite not winning any of the individual categories. Morris's overall score was higher, with a strong all-around performance.
The First Alternate was Natalie Olvera. Olvera also won the Scholastic award, Spirit award, and the Self Expression award.
Second Alternate was Jamilynn Eighmy. Eighmy also won the Talent portion of the event, performing a piano solo.
Along with the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Shafter is a $2,000 scholarship to go toward Morris's education. Morris, who was sponsored by the Shafter Ford Theater, is planning on attending Abilene Christian University and is looking for a career in theater, psychology, or interior design.
All of the contestants were interviewed before the evening's program, giving the judges a glimpse into the personalities of the participants, evaluating how they handle speaking under pressure, and what their beliefs and priorities are.
The Fitness category, which tested the participants' endurance, fitness, and overall health was won by Malia Maldonado.
Each category winner received a $300 scholarship. The First Alternate received a $1,500 scholarship, with the Second Alternate getting a $1,000 scholarship.
Shafter's Distinguished Young Woman program is one of the oldest and largest programs in the state. Porwell said one of the main reasons for this success is the "amazing support that the community of Shafter has shown since the program's inception. We are extremely fortunate to have such wonderful people in this community."
Morris will now represent the city in the state competition, which will be held this summer in Bakersfield, as well as making public appearances at different city functions, such as ribbon cuttings and luncheons.
Morris is the daughter of Chad and Janae Morris.
Reader Comments(0)