Morgan Ellis - The Post and Mail

2
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
About the Cover
Morgan
Ellis,
the
50th
Distinguished Young Woman/Junior
Miss from this Whitley County community, is pictured in the Columbia
City Old Settlers Days/American
Legion Parade. Participation in
the Old Settlers Parade began with
the first Junior Miss winner, Lynn
Tenney Heitritter in 1966. Morgan's
appearance brings us to 50 years in
the annual event.
Photo contributed
Morgan Ellis poses with her parade car after riding in a convertible provided by
Rhoades Automotive in the annual Old Settlers Days/American Legion Parade. It
was a rain-soaked afternoon for the parade.
Shelley Sendelbach again surprised us this
summer by donating another $899 donation
to the scholarship fund.
The Board of Directors of Distinguished
Young Woman program of Whitley County
as well as those contestants who receive the
scholarship dollars will be eternally
grateful to Shelley.
Shelley was the 1982 Columbia City Junior
Miss and fourth runner-up at Indiana Junior
Miss. She also won the talent award
at Indiana's Junior Miss Pageant.
She attended the University of South Alabama because of her eligibility through
Junior Miss.
Shelly Sendelbach
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
3
Order of
Performance
Standards of
Excellence
51st annual performance
of Distinguished Young
Woman/Junior Miss
of Whitley County
Each participant is scored by every
judge in the following categories on a
point scale of 1 through 10.
Introduction of Emcees
Michelle Bowyer Duggan
& Eric DeFreeuw
Introduction of the Distinguished
Young Woman of Whitley County
2015, Morgan Ellis
Morgan Ellis' introductions
Talent presentations by
2016 participants
Self Expression
Special presentation by
Corinne Kauffman
Intermission - 15 minutes
Recognition of former Junior
Misses, Distinguished Young
Women, former Junior Miss &
DYW parents & special guests/
Lifetime Supporters Awards
Morgan Ellis - final remarks
Presentation of category awards:
Panel Interview, Scholastics, Talent,
Fitness, Self Expression
& Spirit Award
Naming of Second runner-up, First
runner-up and Distinguished Young
Woman of Whitley County
Panel Interview - 25%
In a 10-minute discussion with each participant, the
panel of judges looks for perception, a sense of values,
clarity of expression, concern and ability in human
relations.
Scholastics - 20%
A three-person panel of qualified educators review and
rate the transcripts of grades, scores of scholastic tests,
college entrance examinations, rank in class and difficulty
of coursework taken by each participant.
The judging components of this category and the
standards for scoring are set by the Distinguished Young
Women of America program.
Talent - 20%
The talent category is evaluated on originality, technical
ability, appropriateness of selection and costume in
addition to stage presence during the performance.
Self Expression - 15%
Each participant is evaluated on her demeanor, sense of
style and speaking ability. The judges also consider grace,
poise, carriage and posture.
Fitness - 15%
In the fitness routine, each participant is scored on
coordination, stamina, agility, posture and carriage as well
as overall physical well-being.
4
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
About the Emcees
Eric DeFreeuw
Eric DeFreeuw is a Fort
Wayne native and graduate of
Homestead High School. This
year, Eric will be co-hosting the
Distinguished Young Woman
program for the first time. He
received his bachelor's degree
in communications from
DePauw University in 2009
where he spent a great deal of
time working with the television and radio programs. He
served in both managerial and
on-air roles at the two stations.
Eric anchors weekday newsEric DeFreeuw
casts on NBC33 News at 4 and
6 p.m. alongside Krista Miller. He began working for the station
in October 2012 as a news reporter covering everyday community
events and breaking news. He said he is honored to be able to live
out his dream job right here in his home town. He and his wife
Jessie live in Fort Wayne.
Acknowledgments
Whitley County Distinguished Young Woman
Program Coordination
Anne Titus
Pamela Thompson
Denice Spencer
Amanda Dillon
Laurie Steill
Dr. Jeffrey Brookes
Cathie Petrie
John Petrie
Debra Wilkinson
Stephanie Smyth
Cindy Hart
Program Assistants
Hannah Schaefer
Cassandra Petrie
Morgan Ellis
Lights: Keith Gilbert
Sound: Mark Ellis
Michelle Bowyer
Duggan
Michelle Bowyer Duggan, a 1997 graduate of
Columbia City High School, was involved in student
council, cheerleading,
City Heat Show Choir
and was the 1997
Columbia City Junior
Miss.
She was also active
in 4-H and danced
for Dance 'Til U Drop
Studios. After high
school, she attended
Ball State University,
was a member of
Alpha Chi Omega
Sorority and the BSU
Code Red Dancers.
Michelle was crowned
Miss Ball State in 2001
and competed for the
Michelle Bowyer Duggan
title of Miss Indiana.
She graduated from
Ball State with a degree in psychology and began
coaching the Code Red Dancers and did so for six
years. Michelle continued her love for dance and
auditioned for the Indiana Pacemates. She danced for
seven seasons and is now in her 8th year as the dance
team's manager and coach for the Indiana Pacemates
and Fever Inferno dance teams. Michelle and her
husband, Patrick, live in Fishers and are the parents
of 5-year-old Marlee and 1-year-old Maxson.
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
5
The History of Distinguished
Young Women & Junior Miss
MOBILE, ALA. — Founded in 1958
in Mobile, Alabama, Distinguished
Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for
high school girls.
It has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young
women across the country and more
than $93 million in cash scholarships
at the local, state and national levels.
In addition to cash scholarships,
Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted
scholarships from almost 200 colleges
and universities.
More than $108 million in college
scholarship opportunities were provided last year, some of which included
full tuition, room and board to first-class
institutions.
Many participants leave the program with scholarships to help them
with their college educations, but all of
them walk away with friendships, life
skills and increased self-confidence.
Distinguished Young Women
strives to give every young woman the
opportunity to further her education
and prepare for a successful future.
Each DYW program is operated by
volunteers and franchised through the
national and state programs.
Distinguished Young Women,
formerly America’s Junior Miss
Scholarship Program, is sponsored
by the City of Mobile, Mobile County,
Barbara Barrington Jones Family
Foundation, Encore Rehabilitation,
Wintzell’s Oyster House, Alabama
National and local
Power Foundation, Master Boat
Builders, Regions Bank and Sirote &
Permutt.
The 57th National Finals will take
place in Mobile, Alabama on June 23,
24 and 25, 2015. For more information
about Distinguished Young Women,
visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.
Follow Distinguished Young Women
on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and
YouTube.
Locally, Columbia City’s DYW program was established by the late Jon
Hildebrand with the support of the
Columbia City chapter of Jaycees.
Thirty years ago, James & Pamela
Thompson, and Carrie & Scott Gates
formed Columbia City's Junior Miss
Program, Inc.
Volunteers form the board of directors which governs the program.
Columbia City Junior Miss was
recognized at the state level as
Outstanding Local Programs in 1990,
1995 and 2000.
From the year 2000 to 2009, the
local program consistently achieved
high ratings for performance and compliance.
In 2003, Pamela Thompson, a longtime coordinator of the local program,
was presented the “Chairman of the
Year” award by Indiana Junior Miss.
A highlight in the local program’s
history was the appearance of Goofy
from Disney World.
He danced and sang his way into
the hearts of Columbia City. Goofy
appeared at the local program through
the efforts of Randy and Kim Jeffery
of Orlando, Florida, supporters of the
Columbia City Junior Miss Program.
The Whitko Junior Miss Program
was established in 1975 through the
efforts of Walter Crowder, a member
of the South Whitley Jaycees.
The following year, the late Robert
Egolf, also a member of the South
Whitley Jaycees, became involved
and assumed the chairmanship of the
program until his untimely death.
In 1998 it was decided by the Board
of Directors of Columbia City Junior
Miss to broaden its horizons by offering
the Junior Miss opportunity to all high
school senior girls in Whitley County.
In this, the 18th year of the Whitley
County program, more than 250 girls
from Whitley County have taken advantage of the Junior Miss opportunity.
Since the inception of Whitley County
Junior Miss, more than $45,000 in
scholarship money has assisted young
women in pursuing their educations.
In 1999, the Board of Directors of
the local program enlisted the Whitley
County Community Foundation to be
its financial representative.
All scholarship monies are held at
the foundation and dispersed with the
board's approval to the colleges and
universities selected by the award winners.
Any individual or organization wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund
of Distinguished Young Women, may
contact the community foundation.
6
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Junior Misses of the Past
Previous Columbia City, Whitko and Whitley County
Junior Misses and Distinguished Young Women
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
Columbia City Junior Miss
Lynn Tenney Heitritter
Deborah Jones Koch
Carmen Weilacher Redman
Kathleen Wood Abner
Marjorie Gates Giffin
Dianne Stauffer Stangland
Anne Gates Redman
Lorrie Bingley Smith
Jana Beeching Thompson
Debora Buchanan Balyeat
Gina France Ricci
Jill Hoffman Waugh
Flava Galbreath
Nola Jones Smodic
Betsy Jayne Gates (deceased)
Donna Brown Culbertson
Shelly Sendelbach
Angela Brown Graham
Julie Davis Turner
Joni Brown Killian
Lisa Nelsen Allen
Heather Welborn White
Jennifer Hochstetler Krehbiel
Susan Hess Brown
Valerie Schulenburg Ferry
Brenda Zumbrun Hall
Abigail White Shepherd
Krista Carpenter Ginsburg
Sarah Furge Borz
Kristi Smith Jordan
Kristin Hart Monnier
Michelle Bowyer Duggan
Whitko Junior Miss
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
Charlotte Nicodemus Barnett
Cerese Kessie Brock
Jennifer Whitehead
Leah Hartman
Lori Smith
Julie Shepherd
Joni Kurtz Walker
Lisa Bowers
Shawna Loe
Tina Hammel
Whitley County Junior Miss
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Jennifer Nank Mandura
Mia Starr
Sarah Eber Hyndman
Lisa Brookes Hayse
Ellen Crawford Fellows
Michelle “Missy” Shiriaev Love
and Danielle Minear Genth
Evin Teska
Jenna Genth Thiele
Megan Dockery
Christen Melvin Batt
Emily Berning
Kara Mawhorter
Mindi Hoffman
Cassandra Petrie
Distinguished Young Woman
of Whitley County
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Michaela Thomas
Corinne Kauffman
Hannah Schaefer
Morgan Ellis
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
7
You are cordially invited
to attend
the 51st annual
Distinguished Young
Woman program
on the evening of
August 29 at 7 p.m.
at Columbia City
High School's
Post & Mail file photo
2014 Distinguished Young Woman Hannah Schaefer performs her
vocal talent.
Newell Rice
Auditorium
Admission is $10 Adult,
$5 for Students Kindergarten through 12th grade
Good Luck Distinguished Young Women
�
Best Wishes as you prepare
for a Successful future!
Columbia City
Optometry
columbiacityoptometr y.com
Phone 260.244.6474|Fax 260.244.6815
512 N. Line St., Columbia City, IN 46725
Angela Leonhard, O.D. Ingrid McClain, O.D.
Ron Longenbaugh, O.D.
8
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
2016 Participants
Participant 1
Participant 2
Participant 3
Participant 4
Taylor Duncan
Natalia Johnson
Mikala Findley
Alexis Fortman
daughter of
Josh & Brandi Duncan
Talent – Vocal
Columbia City High School
daughter of
Benjamin & Chable Johnson
Talent – Vocal
Columbia City High School
daughter of
Micah & Kasey Findley
Talent – Flash Finger Painting
Whitko High School
daughter of
Jim & Shannon Fortman
Talent – Original Oration
Whitko High School
Wishing all participants. . .
Participant 5
Participant 6
Veronica Palmer
Emily Temple
daughter of
Mike & Yvette Palmer
Talent – Flag Routine
Whitko High School
daughter of
David & Holly Temple
Talent – Dramatic Monologue
Columbia City High School
Best of Luck!
Ann Fahl
Broker
260-609-2504
Participant 7
Avery Hile
daughter of
Mark & Diane Hile
Talent – Vocal
Columbia City High School
518 Garland Ave.
Columbia City, IN
260-248-8961
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
National Sponsors
2016 National Finals
About
Distinguished Young Women 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. The program
has provided life-changing experiences for more than 740,000
young women and more than $104 million in cash scholarships
has been awarded at the local, state and national levels combined.
Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young
woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a
successful future.
June 23, 24, & 25
Connect
www.DistinguishedYW.org
www.bedistinguished.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/DistinguishedYW
www.twitter.com/DistinguishedYW
www.youtube.com/user/DistinguishedYW
www.instagram.com/distinguishedyw
9
10
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Last year's contestants pose for a photo in their fitness outfits. Front row, from left: Lyndsey Brommer, Alyson Nicodemus,
Jasmine Hiss and Peyton Brandt. Second row: Baily Rentschler, Deanna Shockney, Darby Maggard, Emily Lemke and
Morgan Ellis.
ACCESSIBLE
anytime,
anywhere!
www.thepostandmail.com
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
11
Last year's contestants pose for a photo. From left: Lyndsey Brommer, Peyton Brandt, Emily Lemke, Morgan Ellis, Baily
Rentschler, Alyson Nicodemus, Deanna Shockney, Jasmine Hiss and Darby Maggard.
For Character, Class
and Beauty — inside and out,
these girls are all winners!
For Quality
Service and Value
— TNT Can’t be Beat!!
Floral and Gift Shoppe
550 Old Trail West (across from Miller’s Merry Manor)
Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm Phone 244-5531
12
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
2015 Scholarship Awards
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County - Morgan Ellis, $700
First Runner-up - Darby Maggard, $400
Second Runner-up - Alyson Nicodemus, $300
Panel Interview - Morgan Ellis, $300
Scholastics - Jasmine Hiss, $300
Talent - Darby Maggard, $300
Fitness - Alyson Nicodemus, $300
Self Expression - Baily Rentschler $200
Mission of DYW
The mission of Distinguished Young Women (DYW) is to empower outstanding high school women by
providing scholarship opportunities, developing life skills and encouraging positive values; and to impact the
lives of all young people through the Be Your Best Self outreach program.
Continuous Supporter Awards
2001
Timothy Thomson —
Whitley County Motor Sales,
Inc.
William (Bill) Jones
Don York — deceased
Norma Jean Crowe
Bob Smith
The late Roy Duncan, —
award accepted by his daughter,
Susan Sexton
The Post & Mail
2002
Harriet Gates, deceased
Gloria Glass — deceased
Jill Chapman
Bob Thomas, deceased
Alpha Iota Chapter of Tri Kappa
Marilee Boyd
Michelle Bowyer
2003
Columbia City High School
Janitorial staff of CCHS
Reyes and Lora Mata
Randy and Kim Jeffrey
2004
John Lefever —
Estlick Girvin Lefever
Lin Metzger
Rosalie Byrne
Greggory Hockemeyer
Marilyn Murphy and her late
father, Harold Murphy —
Program Awards
Murphy Jewelers
2005
Carrie Gates
Rudae’s School of Beauty
Culture
2006
Scott Slabaugh
Subway
Whitley County Community
Foundation
2009
Ruby Sherman
2012
Frances Stuckey Brown
2015
June Keiser and
Jacqueline Worrick
Winner & Participant Gifts
Awards presented by Indiana Junior Miss
to Columbia City Junior Miss and Whitley
County Junior Miss:
Murphy Jewelers - Distinguished Young Woman charm
Outstanding Local Program —
Rudae's School of Beauty Culture - Day spa for
1990, 1995 and 2000
Distinguished Young Women
Four Star Ratings (highest rating) — 2002, 2003,
Distinguished Young Women Board of Directors of
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009
Three Star Rating — 2001
Whitley County - Fitness apparel to each participant
Pamela Thompson was named
“Chairman of the Year” — 2003
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
13
Thank you...
Mary Kay Consultants – Stephanie Smyth,
Darci Lewis
Participants’ Chaperones
Whitley County Community Foundation
Whitley County Historical Society
Columbia City High School –
Whitley County Consolidated Schools
Columbia City High School Janitorial Staff
Administrators of Churubusco,
Columbia City and Whitko high schools
South Whitley Public Library
Janelle Banks, instructors and students of
Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture
Nicole Minier- The Post & Mail
Cathy Heritier - Bravo Baskets
Shawn Ellis
Randy Plew
2015 Distinguished Young Woman Morgan Ellis (left)
poses with 2014 winner Hannah Schaefer.
CONGRATULATIONS
to all Program
Participants
from
Orizon Real Estate
Proud Supporter of
WHITLEY COUNTY’S
Distinguished Young Women
518 Garland Ave.
Columbia City, IN
260-248-8961
800-853-5916
www.orizonrealestate.com
115 South State Street • South Whitley • 260-723-4468
Where we know you and your medicine by name.
Serving South Whitley for over 9 years.
Congratulations to all
the Participants!
As always, we accept most insurance
including Medicare D and Tricare.
We specialize in customer service!
Hipp Drug is located on State Street
across from the Marathon.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am- 6 pm • Sat 9am-1 pm
14
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Former winners pose for a photo with program director Pamela Thompson (center) at last year's program. Front, from
left – Jenna Genth Thiele, 2005; Kara Mawhorter, 2009; Mindi Hoffman, 2010; Pamela Thompson, program coordinator;
Morgan Ellis, 2015; Cassandra Petrie, 2011; Hannah Schaefer, 2014. Second row: Joni Brown Killion, 1985; Julie Davis
Turner, 1984; Lisa Nelsen Allen, 1986; Lisa Brookes Hayse, 2001; Emily Berning, 2008; Jennifer Nank Mandura, 1998.
"Be Your Best Self"
The Be Your Best Self program allows Distinguished Young Women participants
to reach out and encourage young people nationwide to make a commitment
to being their best selves in areas such as: academics, physical fitness, morality,
character, and social and civic participation. Embracing the BYBS message
empowers young people with valuable tools to face the challenges of negative
peer pressure. Drawing on their own personal experiences, Distinguished Young
Women program participants deliver helpful messages emphasizing the importance
of setting goals and striving to reach them.
5 Elements of the Be Your Best Self Program
Be Healthy - Be physically fit and drug free.
Be Involved - Serve your community.
Be Studious - Stay in school.
Be Ambitious - Set and achieve goals.
Be Responsible - Live by moral and ethical principles.
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016 15
Morgan Ellis
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2015
A near-capacity crowd at the
50th program on Sept. 6, 2014
saw Morgan Ellis named the
50th winner of our local franchise of DYW. The evening was
made even more special with
former winners who were present. Morgan found herself surrounded by women who had
experienced the same feeling
she did when her name was
announced.
The former winners present
were Jenna Genth Thiele, Kara
Mawhorter, Mindi Hoffman,
Cassandra Petrie, Hannah
Schaefer, Joni Brown Killian,
Julie Davis Turner, Lisa Nelsen
Allen, Lisa Brookes Hayse, Emily
Berning and Jennifer Nank
Mandura. Also present, but not
included in the picture was The
Rev. Dr. Marti Gates Lundy.
She spoke about her late sister,
Betsy Jayne Gates. She was the
Columbia City Junior Miss in
1980 and second runner-up at
Indiana Junior Miss. Greetings
were shared between the former
winners and Morgan. The evening closed with Morgan and the
contestants sharing pizza at the
local Pizza Hut.
Morgan's activities in her
Columbia City High School
career were centered in the fine
arts area. Her singing efforts were
noted in the City Lights show
choir for two years, City Heat
show choir for two years and
participating in the City Crew
for three years. Morgan involved
herself in the drama department
productions for two years. Outside of school Morgan was a
part of the New Hope Wesleyan Worship Team for two years.
Other activities at CCHS were the National Honor Society
and Future Educators of America.
Morgan's time at Indiana Distinguished Young Woman
was filled with many memories. The scholarship money
Morgan won as Whitley County's Distinguished Young
Woman helped in her initial college fees. She won $700
for being the winner and $300 as the panel interview win-
ner. Morgan begins her college days at the University of
Indianapolis to major in vocal performance at the end of this
month.
We welcome Mark, Shawn, Morgan and Trevor Ellis
into that select group of people here in Whitley County
brought together by the Junior Miss and Distinguished
Young Woman programs.
So, our 50th year is over and tonight begins the 51st year
with Distinguished Young Woman being a part of our lives.
Pam Thompson, program coordinator
Distinguished Young Woman of Whitley County 2016
The
Post & Mail, Columbia City, Ind.