Malad had another strong showing in this year’s statewide Distinguished Young Woman Competition, as Malad’s DYW placed within the top ten finalists, and was named the Overall Talent winner.  Her finalist finish earned her $750, her finish as a Fitness finalist earned her $650, and her Overall Talent win earned $800.  

In 2023, Raegan Smith was named the first alternate for the state title.  She was on hand to witness the changing of the guard as Alexus took her place on the finalist podium.

The 2024 DYW for the state of Idaho is the newly crowned Mikah Jones, representing North Mini-Cassia.  She performed a ballet en pointe variation.  In her winning performance, Alexus Tarbet played a piano selection, Winter Wind Etude by Frederic Chopin.

Tarbet lives in Malad, with Donna and Frank Madsen, and attends Malad High School.  She plans to pursue an education in the Pharmacy Technician program at Idaho State University.  Tarbet is involved with the MHS Drill Team, the Newsies (2020), Cinderella (2021), Choir (2021), Health Occupations Students of America, and other activites.  She also plays piano and guitar, and currently teaches guitar lessons.

Alexus was a Drill Team District Champion in 2021 and 2022, and placed fourth at state in 2022, and District Runner-up in 2023.  From 2020 to present, she has been in the top 10% of her class, and maintained an “All A Honor Roll” status.  She was a member of the MHS Drill Team third place state title team in 2023, and a Drill Team Academic State Champion the same year.  This year, Alexus is the MHS Drill Team captain.

The DYW competition involved 36 young women from all around the state, who were evaluated by a panel of five judges in the following categories: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%), and Self-Expression (15%).  As always, the level of talent in the competition was extremely high, and all of the hard work Alexus has put in over the years was clearly recognized by the judges who placed her on the finalists stage.

This year’s theme was “Ignite”.  As the DYW organization stated in the official program, “Your fire can’t IGNITE without the light of a spark.  Take a chance…You were meant to shine brightly!”  Quoting Marianne Williamson, the program continues, “We ask ourselves ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?  IGNITE the fire within you!  You ignite a flame within your life when you allow yourself to become vulnerable enough and brave enough to become who you were born to be.”  

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. According to the organization’s press release, “Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Shoe Station and the Barkin Family, Gant Travel Management, the Coffeen Family, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.”

Mikah Jones, the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho for 2024, will advance to the national level at the 67th Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Ala., on June 23, 24, and 25, 2024, where she will join with 50 other representatives from across the country in competing for cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America.