Eilish Zembilci Named Menomonee Falls 2013 Distinguished Young Woman

It’s hard to believe when the Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls started recruiting and promoting the 2013 Distinguished Young Women Scholarship program back in August that the day finally arrived and is now over.

Nine wonderful young ladies took on the challenge and committed themselves to going through the program. Rehearsals began in late December and the girls quickly learned the physical fitness, self expression, and opening number routines. In addition to that, the girls spent time volunteering at the Optimist Club "Holiday Drop & Shop" event and the chili dinner. They also had the opportunity to meet the members of the School Board, were treated to a skin care and make up clinic at Ally’s Bistro, which was hosted by Lisa “Cadillac” Mack from Mary Kay. They also participated in an ice cream social with their little misses and a bowling outing.

The nine ladies were Meredith Frey, Rachel Greifenkamp, Becca Jarolimek, Rebecca Makowski, Sally Moy, Megan Perinovic, Michelle Pohl, Lauren Sanicki, and Eilish Zembilci.

The ladies were judged on scholastics, interview, fitness, talent, and self expression. On February 18 Eilish Zembilci became Menomonee Falls 2013 Distinguished Young Woman. In addition to winning the title, Eilish won the individual categories to scholastics, interview, and self expression. Eilish received a $1,000 scholarship from the Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls as well as $100 cash award for each of the categories.

She also received jewelry provided by Walsh Jewelers. Megan Perinovic was chosen as 1st Alternate and won a $100 scholarship from the Community League and a $250 cash award from the Optimist Club. Meredith Frey was chosen as 2nd Alternate and also won the Fitness category. Meredith receives $100 cash award and $100 for the category win. Lauren Sanicki won Talent category and received a $100 cash award. Michelle Pohl was chosen for the Spirit of Distinguished Young Women which is voted on by the ladies themselves. She receives a $50 cash award.

Laura Baumann, Menomonee Falls 1st Alternate for 2012, Michelle Smukowski, Cudahy’s Junior Miss for 2002, and Jeanette Morelan, Wisconsin’s Distinguished Young Woman for 2012 entertained the audience with amazing vocal performances.

Special thanks go out to Michael Zens and the Menomonee Falls High School Jazz Ensemble who provided musical entertainment; Ali Dwyer and Becky Weber who co hosted the event; Warren Meilicke who took the amazing pictures; Mark Brooks and the wonderful Theater Department students who managed the lighting; Joel Shoemaker and Tim Tarantino for managing the sound equipment; and the numerous Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls volunteers who without their help and dedication this program would not have been as successful as it was. If you were not able to attend the program it can be seen on Falls Cable Access.

Congratulations again Eilish and I know you will do an amazing job representing Menomonee Falls at the State competition in August!