By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Pabalan Wins Distinguished Title
0212 DYW Results
Rachelle Pabalan, left, was named the new title holder in the Distinguished Young Women of Oakdale scholarship program held Feb. 8. Passing the torch is Class of 2014 title holder Sabrina Franciosa. Photo Courtesy Cindy Sipes Photography

Oakdale High School junior Rachelle Pabalan was named the recipient of the Distinguished Young Woman title on Saturday, Feb. 8, passed to her by OHS senior and outgoing Distinguished Young Woman Sabrina Franciosa. In addition to the $2,500 scholarship for the title award, Pabalan received two $200 scholarships in the Scholastics and Interview categories.

The annual Distinguished Young Women of Oakdale program, sponsored by Soroptimist International of Oakdale was held at Magnolia Elementary School Auditorium. Scholarship awards were also presented to Quinn Gagos, second place; Alida McKeon, third place; Shelby Stender, fourth place; and Danika’jo Parker, fifth place.

Gagos also received two $200 scholarships in the Self Expression and Fitness categories as well as the $250 Community Service Award scholarship. McKeon received a $200 scholarship in the Talent category and Stender received the $200 Spirit Award scholarship. Other participants included Rosabelle Hernandez, Danielle Conway, Alyssa Rivera, McKenzie Smart, Janelle Stastny, and Mabel Wong.

A total of $6,750 in scholarships were awarded from donations received from the Oakdale Lions and Rotary Clubs, Oak Valley Community Bank, Fran Krieger/Farmer’s Insurance, Century 21 M&M Realty, Tim and Elaine McConnell, Dr. Chet and Parnima Mahida, Dr. A. Lee Scaief, Drs. Jeff and Jodi Sceville, Valley First Credit Union, and Yogurt Station. Soroptimist International of Oakdale provided the title award.

Pabalan will represent Oakdale at California’s Distinguished Young Women program July 24-26, 2014 in Bakersfield for an opportunity to earn additional scholarship awards.

Distinguished Young Women, formerly Junior Miss, is a national scholarship program which recognizes, rewards, and encourages excellence in young women. For more information about the scholarship program, visit www.DistinguishedYW.org. For more information about Soroptimist International of Oakdale, visit www.oakdalesoroptimist.org.