SODA SPRINGS — Caribou County’s Distinguished Young Women participants are in the last two weeks of preparation with the event scheduled for Saturday, March 30, at 7 p.m. This year the performance and rehearsal will be held in Grace at the Gem Valley Performing Arts Center.

Those wishing to watch the rehearsal on Friday, March 29, can buy tickets at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets for the performance on Saturday, March 30, can be bought at Sanders Furniture in Soda Springs.

According to the Distinguished Young Women website, the group “is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments.”

One or more of the county’s young ladies can win scholarships to help them further their educations. All of the scholarship money comes from businesses in Caribou County. One hundred percent of the donations are used for scholarships, according to Lions Club member Duayne Sims. Soda Springs resident Brooke Hegemann was last year’s winner and received $4,000 in scholarships.

This year’s competitors feature young ladies from all over Caribou County with a higher than normal number involved. Last year 14 girls took part in the annual program. This year 18 girls are taking center stage to vie for the scholarship money. Each young woman is judged in several categories including fitness, interview, talent, self-expression and scholastic performance.

On rehearsal night, young girls from the county are invited up onto the stage with the DYW participants. Each young girl is given a small gift with their involvement.

The Soda Springs Lions Club is the sponsor of the program and provides planning and preparation guidance. The Lions Club gathers donations and provides assistance with the performance by providing several stage hands.

The program is directed by Wendy Wistisen. According to Duayne Sims, the Caribou County Distinguished Young Women program is one of the top five in Idaho. Sims said this year, more than $12,500 will be awarded in scholarships — which is up substantially from last year’s $9,300.

Caribou County has hosted a Distinguished Young Women-JuniorMiss program every year since 1986.