Shafter's DYW to be named next week

This article features the second half of the contestants in the Shafter Distringuished Young Women program set for this month. The other eight were in last week's paper, which can be seen at TheShafterPress.com.

A total of 16 young women will be vying for the title of Shafter Distinguished Young Woman at this year's competition on Friday, March 22.

The event is one of the oldest scholarship programs for junior girls in the state, with the Shafter event celebrating over 40 years in existence, at the Fred Starrh Performing Arts Center at Shafter High School.

According to Director Toni Frantz, the program is a unique and valuable experience for the young ladies who participate." For over 40 years, the Distinguished Young Woman Program has impacted the lives of high school girls in Shafter by providing them with a once in a lifetime experience. The Distinguished Young Women program is a unique opportunity combining college and career readiness, life skills training, mentoring, friendships, fun and the chance to earn college scholarships. "

Frantz said that the participants meet regularly for a few months to connect, learn new skills, and work hard – all in preparation for a live program in front of their family, friends, and neighbors. At the conclusion of the program, awards are given, scholarship money is awarded and one girl is chosen to represent Shafter as the DYW. "She will not only be involved in our community throughout the year, she will participate in the California Distinguished Young Women program for another opportunity to earn scholarship money and add to her high school experience. "

Among the participants are Camryn Eubanks, the daughter of Nick and Roya Eubanks. She is being sponsored by Ashburn Transportation Service. Camryn is involved in several activities at SHS, including the Associated Student Body council and sports. Eubanks recently placed in the top 20 in the Kern Invitational track meet, in the girls 200 meter dash. She will doing a tap dance routine for the talent portion of the competition.

Emily Tirado, the daughter of Reina Yanez, will be showing her agility as she performs a Step dance routine for her talent in the competition. Emily is being sponsored by the Shafter Woman's Club.

Kaitlyn Arismendez is being sponsored by Piuser Construction. She is the daughter of Paul and Fenya Arismendez. Kaitlyn is involved in reading and writing, and is also a star on the girls volleyball team, ranking in the top 5 in several categories in the SSL.

Alexis Lopez is the daughter of Jeremy and Cassandra Lopez, and is sponsored by Westside Family Fellowship Church in Wasco. Alexis has a passion for singing and will be demonstrating that passion when she performs a vocal solo in the talent portion of the evening.

Erika Montoya, the daughter of Sughei Montoya, is sponsored by Grant Construction. Erika is passionate about singing, in addition to several other interests, including reading, being with friends and active in her church. Erika will be singing in the talent portion of the competition.

Celeste Perez, the daughter of Maria Rodriguez, is being sponsored by Golden Labor Services. Celeste is interested in hanging out with her friends and writing, as well as being skilled in the sport of taekwondo. She will be performing a demonstration of this skill on the evening of the competition, displaying her mastery of the sport.

Amelie Rosales is the daughter of Patty and David Rosales. She is sponsored by Happy Jack's Pie and Burger. Amelie is both athletic and artistic, participating in sports at high school, as well as having a passion for music. Rosales was recently featured in a concert during the Colours Festival in which she showed her skills on the guitar. She will be singing a number for the DYW competition.

Allison Figueroa, the daughter of German and Martha Figueroa, will be performing a monologue on the night of the competition. Allison is involved in the Shafter High Drama Club and also has talent in the classroom, with an interest in English.

The daughter of Andrea and Edwin Munoz, Elissa Munoz, is being sponsored by M and M Trucking. Elissa enjoys listening to music, performing, and also being with friends. She will be presenting a vocal number for the competition.

All 16 of the girls said that they have enjoyed getting to know the girls that they didn't know before the program began, and said that they will always treasure the time they have had together and the memories that they have made. "The girls will always remember this time as a learning experience, as well as a very valuable tool that will enrich their lives as they move through school and beyond," Frantz said.

Tickets for th event are available online at simpletix.com/e/distinguished-young-women-of-shafter-class-tickets-120234#smtx-click.