Meet Bonners Ferry DWY contestants 4-7

This year, 14 of Bonners Ferry’s most outstanding junior girls will be given an opportunity to win scholarship money in the annual Bonners Ferry Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program (formerly Junior Miss). Set for April 27 at the Becker Auditorium at Bonners Ferry High School, the theme of this year’s program is “All American.” And we are pleased to introduce you to contestants four through seven;

Distinguished young Women 2024
#4 – Victorina Johnson – #5 – Sydney McLaughlin – #6 – Brooke Petesch – #7 – Sydney Hinthorn
Pictures provided by Pickle Leaf Photography

Victorina Johnson – Participant #4

Victorina Johnson is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She is the daughter of Nephi and Elsie Johnson. She three sisters: Vanessa, Jennifer and Jessica, and one brother: Newell. Victorina plans to attend the University of Idaho or College of Idaho to further her career opportunities.

Victorina finds modern personality Johnny Depp interesting. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, diamond art, and reading. For her talent, Victorina will be performing a dramatic reading.

When asked what makes her least proud of her generation, Victorina says, “I am least proud of my generation for its general lack of respect towards their elders and peers.”

Sydney McLaughlin – Participant #5

Sydney McLaughlin, sponsored by American Legion, is the daughter of Shane and Amanda McLaughlin. She has three brothers: Austin, Brady, and Mason. Sydney plans to attend Texas A&M University. Sydney participates in track and she enjoys art and writing her spare time.

Modern personalities that interest Sydney are Brett Cooper and Candace Owens, and a historical figure that interests her is Abraham Lincoln. For her talent, Sydney will be playing the violin.

When asked what makes Sydney most proud of her generation she states, “I am most proud that my generation is able to adapt quickly and of our knowledge of technology. My generation was able to quickly adapt to a new style of education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This forced us to have to change the setting and format in which we learned.”

Brooke Petesch – Participant #6

Brooke Petesch, the daughter of Steve and Paula Petesch, is sponsored by Bonners Ferry Rotary Club. She has one sister: Sierra, and one brother: Riley. Brooke plans to attend University of Idaho to study Forestry.

Brooke enjoys hiking and kayaking. She participates in soccer, basketball, track, leadership, and National Honor Society. Brooke is interested by modern personalities Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Athing Mu. For her talent, Brooke will be performing a comedic skit.

When asked what makes her least proud of her generation, Brooke states, “I am least proud of my generations’ growing addictions. Specifically, I am least proud of our addiction to the internet. This addiction has created an enormous fear of “missing out” and normalized being lazy for weeks on end.”

Sydney Hinthorn – Participant #7

Sydney Hinthorn is sponsored by the Boundary County Middle School Leadership. She is the daughter of Travis and Kelly Hinthorn. She has two brothers: Brady and Peyton. Sydney plans to attend Boise State University or Oregon State University to study Exercise Science or Kinesiology. Sydney finds modern personalities Jennifer Wirth and Syndey McLaughlin-Levrone interesting.

In her spare time, Sydney enjoys hiking, working out, and shopping. She participates in basketball. For her talent, Sydney will be performing a piano and vocal performance.

When asked what makes her most proud of her generation, Sydney said “My generation had to go through the difficult time of COVID-19 and I am proud of my generation for persevering through to continue obtaining our education. “