Keizertimes., March 19, 2021, Page 29, Image 29

MARCH 19, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGEB5
Auction will help
rebuild in devastated
Santiam Canyon
2021 Keizer Distinguished Young Woman co-title holders (from left) Leilani Morris,
Photo by LYNDON ZAITZ of Keizertimes
Esther Hudkins and Nicole Russell.
Scholarship program
won't slow for COVID
BY LYNDON ZAITZ
Of the Keizertimes
Esther Hudkins, Leilani Morris and
Nicole Russell did not let the COVID
pandemic mess up their plans to vie for
the title of Keizer’s 2021 Distinguished
Young Woman. The scholarship pro-
gram was held as scheduled last May,
albeit differently than in years past.
Last year’s program was conducted
virtually, from interviews with judges to
candidates expressing their talents via
video submissions.
The 2022 Distinguished Young
Woman program will go forward in
the same vein. Candidates are being
recruited and have until March 31 to
finalize their applications.
All three of last year’s co-title holders
say it was a great experience for them
and they have grown because of the
program.
“It’s still a very viable program,” said
Hudkins. “It helps girls become stron-
ger in themselves and their core values.
I would most definitely recommend this
program.”
“Juniors should join this program,”
agreed Morris. “I know I’ve grown a lot
from meeting these wonderful women.
And the chance to put myself our there.
It’s cool to see young women have a
hand in their community.”
“It’s a great way to improve your-
self,” echoed Nicole, whose sister,
Elizabeth Russell, was one of Keizer’s
Distinguished Young Women in 2017.
“(The program) helps build skills, com-
munication skills and public speaking
and self expression,” she continued.
Talent is one of the five areas of judg-
ing in the program. Though many feel
they don’t have a viable talent, all three
of last year’s winners say that’s is not
true. They all agree that everyone has a
talent, it is just a matter of identifying
it. Last year Hudkins did an Irish dance,
Leilani performed a Hawaiian dance
and Nicole played piano.
All three young women said the
main thing they got out of the program
was stronger self-confidence.
Each of them were awarded $1,000
scholarships from last year’s program.
Hundreds of millions of scholarship
dollars have been award in the pro-
gram’s 63 years.
All three of the 2021 titleholders have
or will graduate from McNary High
School and have college plans: Hudkins
to OSU/Cascade, Morris plans to attend
OSU if possible, she has already enlisted
in the U.S. Navy. Nicole will join her sis-
ter, Elizabeth, at BYU/Prov.
Originally called Junior Miss,
Keizer’s first program was 1974.
Though this year’s program will be
virtual once again, organizers are con-
fident that Keizer’s 2023 Distinguished
Young Woman program will again be a
live event at McNary High School.
If interested in participating in the
program or volunteering, contact Mary
Bauer Opra at 503-510-7483.
The Stayton Rotary and The Heart
of the Canyon Committee will host The
Heart of the Canyon Auction and Benefit
in Stayton on April 10, raising
funds to rebuild fire stricken
communities throughout the
Santiam Canyon and badly
hit, Detroit.
Sixty percent of proceeds
benefit Santiam Canyon
Wildfire Recovery Fund and
40% of the proceeds will ben-
efit the Detroit Lake Foundation
The auction will include fine dining,
cocktails, entertainment and a live auc-
tion of items listed on their website. The
evening will begin with a festive happy
hour featuring hors d’oeuvres, drinks
and live music by Once a Month Band
and the opportunity to preview and pur-
chase raffle tickets for the various dis-
played raffle packages.
The evening will close with
live music by Never2Late
and Rock n Roll Cowboys.
This event will follow all of
the current safety guidelines
regarding COVID-19. Tables
will be spaced out and guests
will be required to wear face
coverings. Hand sanitation stations will
be available throughout the facility.
For more information, to buy tickets,
become a sponsor or to donate, go to
www.theheartofthecanyon.com.