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Idaho Enterprise

Malad’s Raegan Smith Named 1st Alternate to State DYW

Raegan Smith, daughter of Dustin and Christine Smith, was named the first alternate for the 2023 DYW competition, held in Idaho Falls over the weekend.  Raegan won Malad’s competition earlier this year with an impressive display of talent, poise, and academic accomplishments.  

DYW is a program that seeks to recognize those individuals who have dedicated themselves to personal achievement and accomplishment in all areas of their lives.  The competition, which featured over thirty contestants from across the state, involves a review of accomplishments through academics, school clubs, and extracurricular activities, as well as a series of live interviews and talent and fitness demonstrations.  The resulting finalists are truly among the most exceptional young women in the state.  

As DYW Chair Nicole Daniels explains, “Raegan was absolutely amazing!  The audience and judges loved Raegan because she was able to let them see her fun, out-going personality.  Raegan changed lives when she was on stage this weekend because she taught the audience about confidence and positive body image.  After the performance was over, the crowds were swarming Raegan with tears in their eyes letting her know how she had touched their hearts.”

Smith is both an accomplished musician and academician, which, along with the interview, are the major components of the competition.

As a smaller component of the competition, DYW also has an eight minute fitness component.  “Fitness was not easy for her and she could easily beat up on herself,” Nicole Daniels said.  “But instead, she did her best and during her self-expression on stage question, she spoke highly of her body.”  In the end, the judges decided that Raegan deserved the first alternate (or second place) position for the contest, which is an extremely prestigious showing in the state wide contest.

“Raegan represented Malad so well with her talents and charisma.  I look forward to the impact she will continue to have on the youth in Malad and the world!” Daniels said.

Raegan herself was characteristically humble about the impressive accomplishment.  “I was honored to be able to represent my community and my school.  I met the most amazing girls and am so grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.  I became friends with 32 of the most educated, determined, ambitious, and empowering young women in Idaho.  I am so grateful for the support from our community,” she said.

In total, Raegan was awarded $4,550 for her achievements in the competition.