Local DYW garner state honors: Killian named second runner-up, Wahl receives awards

The Lind and Ritzville communities were well represented when two poised young ladies took the stage at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman Aug. 3 during the state Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program.

At the conclusion of the Saturday night program, Dalyn Killian, Distinguished Young Woman of Ritzville, earned the second runner-up title and Maya Wahl, Distinguished Young Woman of Lind, walked away with two awards. Killian is the daughter of Lisa and Gordon Killian, and Wahl’s parents are James and Rena Wahl.

As the second runner-up, Killian received a $1,000 scholarship through the DYW program, as well as a $250 award in the talent category. Wahl received two $250 awards, one for the self-expression category and the second award for the interview portion of the program.

Killian and Wahl received the local DYW title during the annual program in Gilson Gymnasium in Ritzville in March. The two girls have spent the last few months traveling around the state participating in parades and representing the two local communities.

The two girls joined 18 other DYW representatives from across the state of Washington in Pullman last week in preparation for the annual state program. Killian and Wahl stayed with separate host families during their five days in Pullman, but both girls were happy to have a friend and support system while preparing for the state event.

“It was especially nice to have Maya there with me. For the first couple of days, we didn’t see much of each other because we weren’t roommates and we were practicing and rehearsing on opposite sides of the room,” Killian said.

“However, as the week went on and we had more down time, Maya and I were able to hang out more. The night of the program, we were able to give each other some words of encouragement as we were in the same dressing room. It was a special thing to share this DYW experience with Maya and having her there with me was awesome,” Killian continued.

For Wahl, having a friend beside her for the whole competition who she knew well helped keep her calm and have constant encouragement. Wahl explained that Killian and her performed in the same dance routines and allowed each other time to support each other on and off the stage.

The girls arrived in Pullman on Tuesday and spent the afternoon meeting their host families and roommates. Killian roomed with Cady Hunt from Almira-Coulee/Hartline and Wahl stayed with Samantha Moss from Kettle Falls.

The 20 DYW representatives and their host families spent Tuesday evening at a miniature golf course, allowing the girls an opportunity to casually meet and begin friendships with the rest of the participants. Wahl, who initially felt apprehensive about the event, said she quickly realized the program events would be enjoyable after the first night.

“I stayed with a great family, they were very welcoming,” Wahl said. “It was really awesome and I felt a lot better after the first night. It was a lot of fun and everyone was so nice.”

The following morning, the girls began a three-day regimen of training for the Saturday night program, with practices lasting throughout the majority of each day. Every day, the participants had a lunch and dinner break and spent the break time with community groups in the Pullman area. The group had lunch with the Senior Citizens of Pullman and the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, as well as attending a workshop with a group of young girls called, “Be Your Best Self.”

After the three days of continuous practice, the group of DYW representatives took to the stage on Saturday night to participate in the annual state program. Onstage, the girls completed an opening number dance, participated in a self-expression, displayed a talent and completed a fitness routine.

For both Wahl and Killian, the toughest portion of the program was preparing for the fitness routine. Both girls said the routine was extremely challenging and exhausting, but the duo overcame the fatigue and performed flawlessly during the onstage routine on Saturday.

After the fitness segment of the program, the girls immediately prepared for the talent portion of the evening. Killian admitted it was one of the most nerve-racking moments for her during the evening, but support from backstage personnel helped calm her nerves before going back on stage.

Killian’s goal for her talent was to show that not only is she an outstanding pianist, but she could bring humor and a unique element to performance. Killian played the first part of her number laying on a bench and playing the piano upside down, a factor she believed helped gain the attention of the judges and ultimately the $250 award for her talent.

Prior to the Saturday night performance, each of the girls had an individual interview with a panel of judges. Wahl explained that the interview portion of the program was her strength, because as a natural “talker,” she is comfortable in interview situations.

Wahl, who is an active FFA member, said her experience in FFA contests with public speaking and her ability to converse easily with others put her at ease before the interview. The panel of judges asked a series of questions based on a biography the girls submitted, and Wahl said the conversation was fluid and comfortable.

Her poise and confidence in the interview helped her garner the $250 award for the interview portion of the program, as well as the award in the self-expression category. Wahl said each girl walked the stage individually in their dress gowns, before answering a question from the judges. Wahl’s question was based around the prevalence of the FFA, and her passion for the organization helped her response stand out among the competition for judges.

After the conclusion of the program, the 20 participants stood on stage together as the awards and winners were announced. Both Wahl and Killian said they were shocked to receive the state recognition, but the awards helped them appreciate the program even more.

“When I was announced as second runner-up, I was extremely surprised. I wasn’t expecting any awards,” Killian said. “I went to Pullman thinking I would just gain a good experience and new friends. So getting this award was very unexpected and a great surprise.”

Killian and Wahl hope more local girls participate in the local program in the hopes more young ladies have the opportunity to travel to the state competition. The girls are currently entering their senior year at Lind-Ritzville High School.

“This program is so wonderful because it gave me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people that I probably never would have met if I hadn’t participated in the program,” Killian said.

“I encourage girls to participate,” Wahl said. “I came out of it seeing how great it is, and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.”