At Large Summer Class of 2024 Program Book

T E X A S A T - L A R G E

Texas Committee

LESLIE SCRUSHY

KATIE THOMASON

LOGAN FRY

BRIANNA THOMAS

JENNIFER HOLLOWAY

MADISON CLARK

KILBY O'HEA

VANESSA WILLIAMS

TONI WINTERS

JUDY FURTH

BLAKE TRAVIS

REBECCA CLARK

HOLLY SEPULVEDA

KAYSE JOHNSON

State Chairperson

State Field Director

Production Chairperson

Participant Chairperson

Secretary

Choreographer

Be Your Best Self Chairperson

Finance Committee

Local Program Development

Judges Chairperson

National Support Team

State Program Support

Fundraising Support

Outreach Support

Texas Board of Directors

MARI HARVEY

TANIA BRYNGELSON

KAREN VAN TIL

KELLIE ARMSTRONG

BARBARA WALLING

LESLIE SCRUSHY

VANESSA LUCKMAN

RONDA TROW

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the numerous people who make this program possible through their generosity and support of the Distinguished Young Women of Texas program.

Categories and Scoring

SELF EXPRESSION (15%)

FITNESS (15%)

SCHOLASTICS (25%)

TALENT (20%)

INTERVIEW (25%)

Participants are evaluated in the following categories:

INTERVIEW (25%) SCHOLASTICS (25%)

A panel of three scholars, counselors and others familiar with high school transcript evaluation, review and score a participant’s high school academic record and test scores.

TALENT (20%)

Judges evaluate a participant’s performing arts talent during a 90 second presentation on stage in front of an audience.

Judges evaluate a participant’s personality, her ability to relate to others, her maturity, and her ability to express herself.

FITNESS (15%)

Judges evaluate a participant’s physical stamina, coordination, agility and flexibility during a choreographed aerobic routine.

SELF EXPRESSION (15%)

Judges evaluate a participant’s poise, demeanor, sense of style and speaking ability.

YOUNG WOMEN OF TEXAS AT-LARGE

August 27th, 2023

Virtual Showcase

OPENING FANFARE

Summer Class of 2024

INTRODUCTION OF JUDGES

FITNESS

TALENT PRESENTATIONS

SELF-EXPRESSION

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN OF TEXAS AT-LARGE

SUMMER CLASS OF 2024

To find out how you can get involved by donating scholarship money or volunteering your time to enrich the lives of future generations of young Texas women, contact:

Texas@DistinguishedYW.org

Nicole Wu

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMAN OF TEXAS 2023

Nicole Wu was selected in January as the Distinguished Young Woman of Texas for 2023 and she's had an incredible year so far!

Nicole represented DYW and her community during a school visit for B Your Best Self Week, made an appearance on Fox 26 Morning Show even won an award from the Sugar L mayor!

This June, Nicole shined bright on th Nationals Final Stage in Mobile Alabama. She was awarded a Be You Best Self Award, Scholastics Award, Talent Award. She was even named a 8 Finalist. In total, Nicole has won ov $10,000 in cash scholarships through program. She has been the perfect representat for our State and we couldn't be more proud!

Judges

Shaun Holloway

Shaun is the Coordinator of Orientation and New Student Programs at the University of North Texas. In this role, he supervises the orientation leader team, develops and executes first-year programming for new students, and oversees the extended orientation program, Eagle Camp. Shaun is actively involved in the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention (NODA) serving as the career development co-coordinator for mock interview and the internship liaison.

Shaun earned his undergraduate degree from University of South Alabama in Public Relations and Advertising. Additionally, he earned his masters from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in College Student Personnel. While there, Shaun served in the Office of the Dean of Students as a Graduate Assistant overseeing basic needs initiatives and co-advising the student government association. Shaun served as the Vice President of Recruitment for his master’s program planning recruitment events. Shaun also completed an orientation internship at the University of North Texas. Shortly after this internship, he was awarded the Intern of the Year by NODA.

Shaun is a creative student affairs professional who aims to bring creativity, authenticity, passion, and heart to enhance the student experience in Higher Education. Additionally, he is passionate about creating access and space for students from marginalized backgrounds that promote the arts and education.

Dr. Naomi Paget Judges

Dr. Naomi Paget BCC is the immediate past Chair for the National VOAD Emotional & Spiritual Care Committee. Her work in critical events and disasters has officially spanned 57 years as an FBI Crisis Interventionist and Chaplain and with the SBC, Red Cross,BGR, Send Relief, ICISF, Doctor’s Without Borders, National VOAD and other humanitarian relief agencies.

Instructor, curriculum writer, awarded Fellowship in American Association of Experts in Traumatic Stress, awarded Fellowship in the National Academy of Crisis Management, she is a published author and K-LOVE Crisis Response Care and ICISF Approved Instructor and Faculty for many crisis and trauma courses, consulting for several national and international organizations, and an adjunct professor for Masters and Doctoral students at Crown College, Denver Seminary, and Gateway Seminary. Providing Crisis Intervention, consultation, and strategic planning, Dr. Paget has provided ministry and education on every continent after crises, war, violence, and disasters of every kind.

A predecessor of DYW, she was California’s Jr. Miss 1966 and State Charmain of the California Jr. Miss program for many years. Naomi lives in Bellville, TX.

Judges

Jan Eyman

Jan was Connecticut Junior Miss in 1971. She attended Keene State College in New Hampshire where she was a gymnast and graduated with a BS Ed and M Ed. Soon after married Wally Eyman and they started a Gymnastics School as well as coached the Keene State Division II Gymnastics Team. Jan became a National Gymnastics Judge and judges competitions for USAG and NCAA all over the country.

In 1991 they moved to Texas with their three children. Her husband started a Sign Company and later in 2006 they started another Gymnastics School and operate both to date. Jan continued her Gymnastics Judging in Texas, served as President of the local Chamber of Commerce, served as Texas USA Gymnastics State Chair, and is currently the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation State Commissioner and is the National Judges Education Director.

She kept up with singing and acting, serving as a principal in many local theater productions. She is a grandmother of 5 and enjoys their 35 acres on the Brazos River and intends to keep going strong with judging and judges education.

Judges

Elizabeth Stutz

Elizabeth Flemming Stutz was raised deep in the Heart of Dixie, but yes, she know the other song, too! Hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, Elizabeth had a front row seat the all things Junior Miss, as it was known almost twenty years ago, since her family served as a host family for the state program. After so many years of admiring the program both on the local and state levels, she was honored and overjoyed to have the opportunity to represent Montgomery County and Alabama at America’s Junior Miss in2004, and was proud to get the first hug from America’s Junior Miss, Texas’ Shannon Essenpreis, the moment her name was called.

Elizabeth’s experience on stage is highlighted by her passion for vocal performance, but doesn’t stop there. While she studied opera on full vocal performance scholarship The University of Alabama, she was also accepted to the Vanderbilt School of Music. She has performed with Red Mountain Theatre Company in Birmingham, Alabama, and at sixteen years old was welcomed as a featured soloist with conductor Andre Thomas at David Geffen Hall at New York City’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She trained with Janice Ransom and Shawn Parker at Dance Generation for fifteen years with a focus in jazz, tap, lyrical, pointe, and hip hop, and she’s been known to twirl a baton or two.

Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2009 after spending three years at The University of Alabama, where she studied opera, served as a Capstone Woman, and became a member of the Chi Omega women ’ s fraternity. Roll Tide! She subsequently spent several years as an emergency department nurse before continuing her education at Samford University. She earned a master’s degree in nursing in 2014, and has experience as a nurse practitioner in orthopedic/trauma, gastroenterology, and urgent care, but recently relocated back to Alabama after spending several years serving the people of McAllen, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. She considers it very special to have experience in multiple specialties, and cardiology is no different, since she gets the learn from and work along side her father and cardiologist every day. She and her husband, Boone, have been married since 2015, and welcomed their beautiful son, Paul, in 2018.

Jud

Sharyn Bristol

Sharyn Bristol's journey is a shining testament to her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on her community. With her background in Communications and Public Relations, she has consistently excelled in her field, exemplifying her academic prowess with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the esteemed University of Houston, followed by a Master's in Healthcare Administration.

Throughout her educational pursuit, Sharyn's passion for personal and professional growth was palpable as she actively engaged in various student organizations. Her involvement with prestigious groups like the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Healthcare Financial Management Association not only enriched her skill set but also provided her with a meaningful platform to contribute to her community. Balancing academic excellence with active community involvement, Sharyn demonstrated a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

Fueled by an innate sense of curiosity and unwavering determination, Sharyn embraced enriching internships at notable institutions such as Houston Methodist and NASA. These transformative experiences ignited a deep-seated passion for the Space Industry, revealing a new path for her to explore. Inspired by the boundless possibilities that awaited her, Sharyn fearlessly pursued her dreams, leading her to her current role as a Communications Coordinator at Space Center Houston.

Her journey stands as an inspiring example of the incredible potential that unfolds when one remains steadfast in their pursuit of personal and professional growth. Sharyn's enduring dedication to her craft and community sets her apart as a role model for aspiring professionals and individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact. Excited to begin her work with Distinguished Young Women, Sharyn aims to share the remarkable work being done by this inspiring organization, furthering her goal of creating a profound positive change in the world through perseverance, hard work, and an earnest desire to build a better future for everyone.

Judges

Nichole Iacuzio O’Brien

Scholastics

Nichole Iacuzio O’Brien was the state representative for New Hampshire in 2009 when the Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program was known as America’s J this program, Nichole was able to attend Troy University in Alabama on a full scholarship graduating debt free with a Bachelors of Art in Social Studies Education and a minor in Spanish. Upon her college graduation, she entered the classroom teaching American Government at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, where she worked for over eight years. During her time in the classroom, she earned two master degrees- a Masters of Art in American History and Government from Ashland University in Ohio and a Master of Education in Leadership in School Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

She is now entering her second year as an assistant principal and curriculum director at a high school in southern New Hampshire. She recently completed a graduate certificate program in Education Law through Indiana University this past June and is beginning work towards a doctoral degree this fall at New England College. Besides education and learning, Nichole loves cooking, baking, and traveling. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors taking in the beautiful scenery of New Hampshire, as well as volunteering with her state DYW program. She currently lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their four cats, two rescue dogs, and a small flock of chickens.

Participants

Elizabeth Miri

PARTICIPANT #1

H I G H S C H O O L H o m e s c h o o l

H O M E T O W N C e d a r P a r k

T A L E N T

M a r t i a l A r t s B a l l e t

Saylor Benetti

PARTICIPANT #2

H I G H S C H O O L C i n c o R a n c h H i g h S c h o o l

H O M E T O W N K a t y

T A L E N T

Surabhi Nair

PARTICIPANT #3

H I G H S C H O O L C l e m e n t s H i g h S c h o o l

H O M E T O W N S u g a r L a n d

T A L E N T D a n c e

Constinze Remijio

PARTICIPANT #4

Mia Marin- Mera

PARTICIPANT #5

Trisha Botcha

PARTICIPANT #6

H I G H S C H O O L

C l i n t E a r l y

C o l l e g e A c a d e m y

H O M E T O W N

F a b e n s

H I G H S C H O O L

V e t e r a n s M e m o r i a l E a r l y

C o l l e g e H i g h S c h o o l

H O M E T O W N

R a n c h o V i e j o

H I G H S C H O O L W i l l i a m P . C l e m e n t s H i g h S c h o o l

H O M E T O W N

S u g a r L a n d

T A L E N T

H i p H o p D a n c e

Participants

Gabrielle Avila

PARTICIPANT #7

H I G H S C H O O L

W . B . R a y

H i g h S c h o o l

H O M E T O W N

C o r p u s C h r i s t

T A L E N T

P i a n o

Sanjana Arulkumaran

PARTICIPANT #8

H I G H S C H O O L

P l a n o E a s t S e n i o r

H i g h S c h o o l

H O M E T O W N

M u r p h y

T A L E N T

P i a n o

Adrianna Guse

PARTICIPANT #9

H I G H S C H O O L

F r i e n d s w o o d

H i g h S c h o o l

H O M E T O W N

F r i e n d s w o o d

T A L E N T

T a p D a n c e

Brianna Andrews

PARTICIPANT #10

H I G H S C H O O L

J u l i e t a & F r a n k S t a g g s A c a d e m y o f

I n t e r n a t i o n a l s a n d S T E M S t u d i e s

H O M E T O W N

L a r e d o

T A L E N T

V o c a l

Ella Neuenschwander

PARTICIPANT #11

H I G H S C H O O L

F r e e d o m P r o j e c t

A c a d e m y

H O M E T O W N

C o n r o e

T A L E N T

K a r a t e F o r m s

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Carrington Hodge

Alabama’s Carrington Hodge was named Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2023 during the 66th National Finals.

Carrington is a graduate of Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School. Her academic honors include being named a 2022-2023 CollegeBoard National African American Recognition Program Scholar, AP Scholar, Princeton Prize Certificate of Merit recipient, and more. Outside of the classroom, Carrington is passionate about education and social justice. The project she devotes most of her time to is an initiative she founded, “Unmasked: The Simone Project ” The project began as a YouthServe assignment that Carrington strongly felt should continue on The organization addresses topics such as minority history, social justice, and current events that may be uncomfortable to study in a classroom environment.

Aside from “Unmasked,” Carrington is extremely passionate about working with children. This love for impacting youth has lead her to become involved in organizations like YouthServe and has influenced her future career path in pediatrics.

In the fall, Carrington will attend Vanderbilt University on a pre-medical track, where she will also be on the dance team She plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in pediatric neurosurgery. After dancing competitively for much of her life, she is most excited about expressing her love for dance in a new way with the team at sporting events and school activities.

With over $78,000 in total cash scholarships and a gold medallion, Carrington will represent the Class of 2023 as Distinguished Young Woman of America for this year

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMAN OF AMERICA FOR 2023

FUN FACTS

If you ask Carrington what her perfect Saturday looks like, it definitely involves some sort of activity! She loves water parks, rollerskating, and being active.

Carrington has been dancing since the age of three and will be on the Vanderbilt dance team starting this fall While her comfort show is “Grey’s Anatomy,” she’s recently been binge-watching “This is Us.”

She is an only child! Carrington is her parent’s pride and joy, and she knows they will be her biggest cheerleaders even when she moves away for college in another state.

Carrington’s hidden talent - she sings! Whether it’s in a choir or in the car, Carrington loves to carry a tune

When asked who inspires her, she replied “Definitely Julianne (Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama for 2022) I have grown up with her and watched her balance school, dance, and service I have been inspired by the way she handles it all.”

LEFT TO RIGHT, CLOCKWISE:

Carrington participating in the Fitness category; having fun at Bellingrath Gardens and Home; taking a selfie with her new gold medallion; on the beaches of Dauphin Island; at the Girl Scout Party; performing her talent on stage

National Sponsors

Distinguished Young Women is grateful to all of our national sponsors who make each year’s program possible through their generous contributions toward scholarships and the ongoing operation of the nationwide program

States Club, Spirit Club & Event Sponsors

STATES CLUB SPIRIT CLUB

The businesses and individuals in the States Club sponsor a state’s representative during National Finals The members of this elite group have graciously contributed $5,000 each. We appreciate their financial support and their dedication to the success of this program.

AJM Foundation Board

Arlene Mitchell

Austal

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Delaney Development, Inc.

Distinguished Young Women Past Presidents

Dee Gambill

Elizabeth & Phil Kaiser

Evonik Corporation

Joy & Jimmy Grodnick

Judith K. Skelton

Kathy & Forrest Latta

Maureen Sullivan Collins, 1960

Mr & Mrs Norvelle Smith

Pam & Cisco Codina

Pam & Eric Patterson

The Coffeen Family

The Hearin-Chandler Foundation

The Howard Wealth Management Group of Stifel Valerie Boltz Austin

The businesses and individuals in the Spirit Club sponsor a state’s representative during National Finals Members of this group have generously contributed $2,500 and we appreciate their support.

Captain Teresa Elders Foundation, 1992

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors

McKinney Petroleum Equipment

The Pilot Family

SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS

These businesses and individuals funded events that took place during the 66th National Finals Our thanks go out to them for making this year a special one.

AFTER FINALS PARTY

Mobile County

BE YOUR BEST SELF DAY

Junior League of Mobile

FAMILY FUN DAY

University of South Alabama

INTERVIEW WORKSHOP

The Adecco Group

STATE SPECIALTIES PARTY

Mobile County

WOMEN’S FORUM

at University of Mobile

National Panhellenic Council

Program History

1958-2023

Distinguished Young Women was founded in 1958 by the Mobile (AL) Jaycees as an outgrowth of its popular Azalea Trail Maid program Originally called America’s Junior Miss, Distinguished Young Women was created as a way to meet the need for higher education scholarships for young women.

While continuing to address the need for scholarships, Distinguished Young Women also saw an opportunity to help prepare young women for success in life after high school. Many skills that help individuals be successful how to conduct a business interview, believing that your opinions are worthy of recognition and how to speak with confidence and effectively convey your thoughts are not taught in school

Our Life Skills Workshops begin this education. Plus, to ensure the greatest impact possible, participation in our program is always free, allowing young women of all backgrounds to be able to reap the benefits of participation

Distinguished Young Women is proud to be the oldest and largest scholarship program in the nation for college-bound high school senior girls Since 1958, the program has awarded more than $120 million in cash scholarships at local, state, and national programs In addition to cash scholarships, Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from over 100 colleges and universities across the country Over $1 billion in college scholarship opportunities were provided to the Class of 2023, some of which included full tuition plus room and board Many participants leave the program with scholarships, but all walk away from the experience with life skills to help them interview for jobs, develop healthy relationships and have increased confidence

Throughout the years, Distinguished Young Women has continued to attract the nation’s best and brightest More than 780,000 young women have participated in the program at the local, state and national levels. Journalist and anchor Diane Sawyer (1963), Journalist Deborah Norville (1975), Will & Grace actress Debra Messing (1986), CNN anchor Robin Meade (1987) and violinist and best-selling author Lindsey Stirling (2005) are a few of the program’s celebrity faces Distinguished Young Women is proud to have helped these women on their road to success and is equally proud of the thousands of other past participants who have achieved success through a vast number of careers, such as Dr Linda Rutledge Delbridge (1973), vice-president at IBM; Marlo Graves (1990), Shuttle Integration Group Engineer for Boeing; pediatrician Dr. Susan Davidson (1998); and Sruthi Palaniappan (2016), the youngest delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention and current Vice President at Newsguard

Distinguished Young Women continues because of the hard work and dedication of more than 10,000 volunteers throughout the nation. These individuals devote countless hours to planning, funding and executing local, state and national programs A board of directors including civic, business and professional leaders governs the national nonprofit corporation. These volunteers are committed to providing opportunities to young women who have achieved excellence in their high school careers Thanks to dedicated volunteers and support from the Mobile community, Distinguished Young Women continues to impact the lives of thousands of young women across the country.

LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: 1 Phyllis Whitenack (WV) was the first national representative in 1958 2 The Class of 1963 takes part in the Youth Fitness In the center is Diane Sawyer, Kentucky and America’s Junior Miss for that year 3 The Tonight Show’s Ed McMahon served as host of the program in 1980. 4. Kim Smith (NC) was the first America’s Junior Miss to receive a medallion instead of a crown in 1981 5 Tyrenda Williams, America’s Junior Miss for 1997, spreads the message of the Be Your Best Self 6 The Class of 2001 Has Beens perform 7 Madison Leonard of Idaho was named the first Distinguished Young Women of America in 2010 8 A participant in the local Charleston County (SC) program takes part in a Life Skills Workshop in 2015.

Distinguished Alumnae

The Distinguished Alumnae is a sisterhood of more than 780,000 women who have participated in Distinguished Young Women or Junior Miss programs at any level local, state or national since the program’s origin They are passionate about this program!

HOW TO STAY INVOLVED

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

In February 2019, the Distinguished Network launched providing an online space for alumnae of all ages to network and connect. Join the private Facebook page by searching “The Distinguished Network.”

JOIN US IN PERSON

Past participants stay connected through newsletters and updates, alumnae reunions and clubs, volunteering and social media. We currently have Alumnae Clubs in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Alumnae can receive information about getting connected by emailing Lisa@DistinguishedYW.org

Get Involved!

Help us continue to share the message and impact of Distinguished Young Women by getting involved with local programs in your area, OR start a program in your area using our flexible format options!

In order to increase our impact, we need new grassroots programs reaching into communities. These programs feed into our state programs to help them grow! Flexible format local programs were created with the intention that anyone can start a program - regardless of time, location or resources Here are some of the perks of our flexible format:

YOU CAN DO IT!

•

Minimal time commitment - only a few hours

Flexible - you set the schedule

Host your local program partially OR fully digital DYW provides the Scholastics Judge, Program Judge contacts, Fitness routine, Life Skills Workshop videos and College-Granted Scholarships

No venue needed

Low to ZERO cost

•

Are YOU able to volunteer even a few hours of your time and start impacting young women? Contact our National Field Director, Lisa Lawley Burnette, at Lisa@DistinguishedYW.org for a more in-depth description of our program options or to get connected with a program in your area.

Distinguished Young Women

ERIKA KWEE

AIMEE ALSTON

PAIGE PEDERSON

MAKAYLA ZAMORA

CARRINGTON HODGE

TERESA ZHANG

JAZZIE TROTTER

CLAIRE NEIBAUR

VICTORIA STROM

MAGGIE HAIMELIN

HIYUN LEE NICOLE WU

JULIANA COGSWELL

ISABELLA MOLITOR

MADISON PARKERSON

SOPHIE PITTS

MEGAN TANDAR

CAMPBELL YUNG

MADISON PARKER

KALYN VOIGHTMAN

JINA KANG

SYDNEY ADREON

SUMMER BARNES

DELANEY FINSLEY

ALINA MARKUTSYA

CLASS 2023of

EVELYN LEE

ELLA DIERLAM

EMILY HANSEN

MCKINLEY MURRAY

SARA LYNN LOUCKS OLIVIA NG

CLAIRE MARTIN

KIELE JARNAGIN

DELANEY KNIGHT

GIANNA MENNELLA

ROSIE SHULTZ

ANA AVDELLAS

HALEY CUMMINS

KAITLYN HATFIELD

ABIGAIL LESCENSKI

ERIN HU

EMMA MOREAU

MAKENA PETSCH

KIANNA HARLOW

SARAH DOWNING

RYANN LUND

FAITH HARRISON

JULIANA GUEST

OLIVIA HUGHES

ANNA CANGELOSI

Class of 2023 Awards

The Class of 2023 shared in $155,000 in cash scholarships at the national level and more than $1 BILLION in college-granted scholarships available to them by taking part in the Distinguished Young Women experience.

FINAL AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMAN OF AMERICA • $40,000

Carrington Hodge Alabama

FIRST RUNNER-UP • $20,000

Maggie Haimelin Tennessee

SECOND RUNNER-UP • $15,000

Madison Parker Indiana

THIRD RUNNER-UP • $10,000

Megan Tandar Utah

FINALISTS • $5,000

Jazzie Trotter Alaska

Rosie Shultz Louisiana

Nicole Wu Texas

Erin Hu Wisconsin

SATELLITE AWARDS

JOY MITCHELL GRODNICK SPIRIT AWARD • $2,000

Ella Dierlam Oklahoma

DR. RICHARD B. ROGERS SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP • $2,000

Delaney Knight Nebraska

REBECCA HOUSTON TODD ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD • $1,500

Kaitlyn Hatfield West Virginia

BORK FAMILY SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD • $500 EACH

Rosie Shultz Louisiana

TELL ME A STORY

CATEGORY AWARDS

INTERVIEW • $1,000

Carrington Hodge AL

Jazzie Trotter AK

SCHOLASTICS • $1,000

Hiyun Lee AZ

Teresa Zhang NY

TALENT • $1,000

Carrington Hodge AL

Victoria Strom MI

FITNESS • $1,000

Carrington Hodge AL

Sarah Downing FL

SELF-EXPRESSION • $1,000

Alina Markutsya IA

Megan Tandar UT

Nicole Wu TX

Megan Tandar UT

Maggie Haimelin TN

Nicole Wu TX

Erin Hu WI

Erin Hu WI

Megan Tandar UT

Madison Parker IN Maggie Haimelin TN Victoria Strom MI

Carrington Hodge AL Rosie Shultz LA Sarah Lynn Loucks VA Alina Markutsya IA Delaney Finsley OH

NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE/NPC FOUNDATION AWARD • $1,000 EACH

Carrington Hodge Alabama

Juliana Guest South Carolina

Anna Cangelosi Georgia

CHICK-FIL-A BE YOUR BEST SELF AWARD COPELAND • $1,250 EACH

Hiyun Lee Arizona

in honor of

Nicole Wu Texas

DISTINGUISHED VLOGGER AWARD

Mikayla Dayton Delaware 2022

in honor of

REGGIE AND BETTY ROXANN DYESS • $1,000

Sarah Lynn Loucks Virginia

by Maureen Sullivan Collins

• $2,500

Alina Markutsya Iowa Ana Avdellas Pennsylvania

Press Register/AL com

Rosie Shultz Louisiana

DISTINGUISHED DIARY AWARD • $1,000

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Foundation

• $1,000

Juliana Guest South Carolina

presented by the Hyman Family

AMY OSMOND COOK CLASS OF 2022 HAS BEEN AWARD • $2,000

Mikayla Dayton Delaware 2022

ROXANN DYESS HAS BEEN AWARD • $2,000

Kate Chevaire New Hampshire 2022

DISTINGUISHED OUTREACH AWARD • $1,000

Finley Richardson Mobile County, AL

Be Your Best Self

Class of 2023 state representatives shared the message of Be Your Best Self with more than 5,000 children across the country

Founded in 1987, the Be Your Best Self (BYBS) program is the official outreach program of Distinguished Young Women In keeping with our mission, the program provides an opportunity for participants to beneficially impact the lives of children in their communities.

The simple and practical message of the Be Your Best Self program is carried across the country through dynamic and engaging presentations created by Distinguished Young Women participants at all levels (local, state and national)

The Be Your Best Self program seeks to encourage young people to lead successful and productive lives. Participants delivering the BYBS message use their personal experiences and unique talents to create presentations that inspire leaders for the future Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious and Be Responsible are the five elements that help define what it means to Be Your Best Self.

This year, Distinguished Young Women celebrated its fifteenth annual National Be Your Best Self Week, a nationwide event that took place April 17-21. During the week, Distinguished Young Women participants across the country visited with groups of children in their communities and via social media to share the Be Your Best Self message As a result, thousands of young people learned what it means to be their best selves and how they can work toward a bright and productive future.

Distinguished Young Women is proud to offer a special scholarship award in conjunction with the Be Your Best Self program, the Distinguished Outreach Award. Any young woman who participated in a 2023 Distinguished Young Women program at the local or state level (excludes state winners) and participated in National Be Your Best Self Week was eligible to compete for the award The recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Outreach Award is Finley Richardson of Mobile County, AL. The Be Your Best Self Scholarship Selection Committee consists of Tifara Brown, Emily Lloyd Herman, Bliss McMichael, and Tobi Collins Weingart

BRING BYBS TO YOUR COMMUNITY! Want a BYBS presentation at your organization or school? Contact Lisa@DistinguishedYW org to find the program closest to you.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Kristen Logan, the 1988 National Representative, gives a Be Your Best Self presentation at Junior Achievement; 2023 Distinguished Outreach recipient, Finley Richardson

National Representatives

1958 | WEST VIRGINIA

Phyllis A. Whitenack

University of Central Florida Graduate; registered nurse; lived in Scottsdale, AZ; two daughters and two grandchildren; died in 2011

1959 | PENNSYLVANIA

Judi Humphrey Peckonis

Studied for a career in nursing; one son; died in 1968

1960 | CONNECTICUT

Maureen Sullivan Collins

Southern Connecticut State University graduate; BS degree in special education; lives on Fisher Island, FL and CT with husband of 54 years, George; three sons and ten grandchildren

1961 | MISSOURI

Mary Frann Luecke

Attended Northwestern University; founded the America s Junior Miss Council in 1995; had an extensive career in acting; died in 1998

1962 | RHODE ISLAND

Jean Leslie Allen

George Washington University graduate; attended Georgetown Law School; lives in Providence, RI; one son; died in 2018

1963 | KENTUCKY

Diane Sawyer

Wellesley College graduate; lives in New York City; former co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America; current anchor of ABC’s World News and principal anchor; wife of the late Mike Nichols

1964 | WASHINGTON

Linda Felber

Master’s degree from University of Illinois; coordinator of student services for school district; one daughter; lives in Salem, OR

1965 | MICHIGAN

Patrice Gaunder Heeran

Graduate of Marygrove College (Detroit); lives in Washoe Valley, NV, with husband of 46 years, John; two sons and one daughter

1966 | WISCONSIN

Diane Wilkins

Studied at Marymont and the University of Massachusetts; worked in import business in California; died in 2005

1967 | ARKANSAS

Rosemary Dunaway Trible

Univ of TX graduate; works with students at Christopher Newport University; author of book

Fear to Freedom & created nonprofit called Fear 2 Freedom; two children & two grandchildren

1968 | OKLAHOMA

Debi Faubion Attorri

Stephens College graduate; former evening news anchor at WSOC-TV; Broadcast and promotion spokesperson at her company Debi Presents LLC; lives with her husband in Charlotte, NC

1969 CALIFORNIA

Jackie Bennington Weiss

Masters in Education/Physical Education from Stanford University; High School dance instructor & Dir of International Baccalaureate Dance Certificate Program; two daughters

1970 | ARIZONA

Karen Stenwall Wiseman

Studied at Texas Christian University and Kansas State; Masters in psychology; Senior VP Marketing for global real estate company; three daughters and four grandchildren

1971 | NEW JERSEY

Arlene Stens Thompson

Master’s degree from Trenton State College; lives in Moorestown, NJ; five children

1972 | KENTUCKY

Lydia Hodson Copeland

George Washington University graduate; worked in television; one son; died in 1991

1973 | KANSAS

Linda Rutledge Delbridge

Ph D in computer science from George Washington University; Director, Automation Business Development for Information Services Group; resides in Lake Tahoe, NV with husband Dave, rescue husky, Kane, and cat, Boris

1974 | WYOMING

Karen Morris Gowdy

Attended the University of Wyoming, New York University, and Stella Adler s; played the role of Faith Coleridge on the Emmy-winning Ryan’s Hope; three daughters

1975 | ARKANSAS

Julie Forshee Thurber

Spring Hill College graduate; lives in Miami Beach, FL and Park City, UT with her husband; two sons

1976 | WASHINGTON

Lenne Jo Hallgren

Whitworth College graduate; public speaker, author, and active in public affairs; contributor to Full Bloom; resides in Eagle, ID with husband J E Givens; three children and three grandchildren

1977 | ARKANSAS

Christy Moller Wojohn

University of Georgia graduate; teaches 1st grade; lives in Zachary, LA; five children

1978 | MISSOURI

Kim Crosby Westenberg

Feature soloist with symphonies around the U S ; starred in Guys and Dolls and Into the Woods on Broadway; lives in Springfield, MO with husband; two daughters and one son

1979 | PENNSYLVANIA

Susan Horvath McCready

Studied at Troy University; worked in radio; currently living in Virginia with her husband, a retired Air Force Colonel

1980 | GEORGIA

Julie Bryan Moran

Graduate of UGA; first female anchor of ABC’s Wide World of Sports; host of Entertainment Tonight for 10 years; host of LIFETIME S The Balancing Act; two daughters

1981 | NORTH CAROLINA

Kim Smith Yandow

Career as a dancer/choreographer & director; taught dance at BYU for 11 years; directed her own women s performing company for 7 years; authored SimpleSpaces; ten children

1982 | MISSISSIPPI

Susan Hammett Wilmore

Master’s degree from Louisiana State University in communication disorders; senior sales representative with Takeda Pharmaceuticals; lives in Alexandria, LA with two sons

1983 | ALABAMA

Stephanie Ashmore Pitts

University of Mississippi Nursing School grad; Pediatric Oncology, Pre-Op and Recovery Room Nursing; lives in Fairhope, AL with four children

1984 | MINNESOTA

Amber Kvanli Ward

M B A from Kellogg at Northwestern University; lives in New York City with husband and two children

1985 | TEXAS

Valerie Lowrance Tyler

University of Texas - Ph D in jurispendence; former prosecutor; working as a lecturer in trial advocacy at the University of Texas Law School; four children

1986 | VIRGINIA

Lori Jo Smith Carbonneau

Graduate of Princeton; Harvard MBA; lives in Virginia following years in China; Director of Membership for the McLean Project for the Arts; married with two sons and one daughter

1987 | WISCONSIN

Chuti Tiu

Northwestern University; actor, writer, & producer; wrote, produced & starred in feature film Pretty Rosebud; serves on Tallgrass Film Festival Filmmaker Advisory Board

1988 | MISSISSIPPI

Kristen Logan Sepesi

Attended Baylor University; former marketing consultant and Colorado state chairman; lives in Athens, GA with two children

1989 | MISSOURI

Kristin Huxhold Provisero

University of Illinois graduate; master’s degree from Webster University; Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar; Broadway singer and actress living in New York; two daughters

1990 ILLINOIS

Sara Martin Rosheger

Northwestern University graduate; master s degree from the University of Warwick in Coventry, England; 1995 British Marshall Scholar; kindergarten teacher; two children

1991 CALIFORNIA

Amy Elizabeth Goodman

UCLA; Master s from Columbia; journalist & style expert; contributor NBC’s TODAY Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Live with Kelly & Ryan, The View, The Talk; author of Wear This, Toss That; two children

1992 | CALIFORNIA

Tiffany Stoker Madsen

BYU then Juris Doctorate from Hastings College of the Law; Clovis Unified School Board Trustee; certified teacher of Let’s Play Music and Sound Beginnings; three sons and two daughters

1993 | GEORGIA

Rebecca Jones Kujawa

Duke University; earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation; Vice President of Business Management for an energy company; three children

1994 | UTAH

Amy Osmond Cook

Ph D in Communication from University of Utah; Director of Provider Relations for North American Health Care; CEO of Osmond Marketing; Healthcare columnist; five children

1995 | NEW JERSEY

Kiersten Rickenbach Cerveny

Duke and Tulane School of Medicine; dermatologist in private practice in New York; Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mt Sinai Hospital; three children; died in 2015

1996 | TENNESSEE

Andrea Plummer Guardenier

University of Virginia; received MD from Albany Medical College and served seven years in the Air Force as a pediatrician; Fellow in Pediatric Intensive Care in San Diego; one daughter

1997 | ALABAMA

Tyrenda Williams-Reed

Birmingham-Southern College; M A in Journalism and Latin American & Caribbean Studies from NYU; HR/Payroll Manager for the Birmingham Barons; two daughters

1998 | PENNSYLVANIA

Susan Davidson Sankova

Harvard and Georgetown School of Medicine; Johns Hopkins Hospital pediatric residency; currently an assistant professor of anesthesiology at University of Maryland Medical School

1999 | GEORGIA

Sarah Jane Everman Shanks

Graduate of the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music; most recently appeared on Broadway in Cats; lives with her husband and son in New York, NY

2000 | UTAH

Jesika Henderson Harmon

Honors graduate from Brigham Young University; BA in English and minor in dance; currently resides in Alpine, UT, with five children

2021 | GEOGRIA

Destiny Kluck

Student at Brandeis University double majoring in HSSP and Biology; Research Lab Assistant; Posse Scholar; Community Engagement Ambassador; Adagio and Ballet Dance member

2001 | ALABAMA

Carrie Colvin Alling

Vanderbilt University grad with a degree in economics; digital media and video production consultant; lives in Los Angeles with two daughters

2002 | OREGON

Amy Kerr McVey

Graduated cum laude from Willamette University; owns and operates fine art wedding and portrait photography studio with husband; lives in Salem, OR

2003 | CALIFORNIA

Andrea Finch Williams

Graduated from Brigham Young University with major in music/dance/theater; teaches voice and piano lessons; resides in Gainesville, FL with three children

2004 | TEXAS

Shannon Essenpreis Fortenberry

University of Mississippi; Communications Manager for agricultural input supplier GreenPoint AG; three children

2005 | MISSISSIPPI

Kelli Schutz Croyle

Belhaven University; motivational and guest speaker; spiritual development director at Westbrook Christian School; fitness coordinator at Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for children needing a chance; two sons

2006 | KENTUCKY

Taylor Phillips

Stanford undergrad & PhD; currently Assistant Professor of Management & Organizations at New York University (Stern School of Business)

2007 | MINNESOTA

Nora Ali

Graduate of Harvard University with BA in statistics and quantitative finance; anchor at business and technology news network, Cheddar; living in New York City

2008 | UTAH

Lindsey Brinton Harris

Harvard University; graduated #1 in law school class from UC Hastings College of Law; lives in Salt Lake City with three children

2009 | KENTUCKY

Michelle Rodgers

Northwestern University; Community Program Coordinator for Eugene, OR; middle school teacher & group facilitator; Director of The Eugene Story Project

2010 | IDAHO

Madison Leonard

Pepperdine grad with a Masters of Music degree in Voice and Opera; currently singing opera professionally; Lives in Switzerland with her husband

2011 | TENNESSEE

Katye Brock Bodak

University of Tennessee; master s in SpeechLanguage Pathology; working as a speechlanguage pathologist; lives in Knoxville with her husband and daughter

2012 | NORTH CAROLINA

Christina Maxwell

University of Michigan; BFA in musical theatre, film and television in NYC; creative arts therapist for pediatric oncology; “Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role” at New York Musical Festival

2013 | WASHINGTON

Nicole Renard

Chapman University graduate; majored in TV broadcast journalism; recently interned for Ryan Seacrest Studios & iHeartMedia; studied abroad in New Zealand

2014 | GEORGIA

Brooke Rucker

Florida State University graduate; member of Charles Anderson’s COA Dance Project company; Visioning Partner Assistant at Urban Bush Women; living in Brooklyn, NY

2015 | ALASKA

Máire Nakada Aguirre

University of South Alabama graduate; BS in Nursing; Worked as a Cardio Pulmonary Critical Care nurse at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital while earning MA; Living in Alaska with husband

2016 | SOUTH CAROLINA

Tara Moore

Clemson University graduate with a BS in Health Sciences; Miss Clemson University 2018; Captain of the Rally Cat Dance Team; Alpha Delta Pi Sorority; Beginning the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at Emory University

2017 | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Skye Bork

Columbia University graduate with a degree in Economics-Mathematics; Vice President of student council; Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and Undergraduate Recruitment Committee; continues to take dance and ballet classes

2018 | INDIANA

Aaryan Morrison

Student at Harvard University majoring in Social Studies and African Studies; Modern Dance Company; Strong Women Strong Girls; Harvard National MUN; Harvard Undergraduate Council

2019 | ILLINOIS

Dora Guo

Student at Yale University majoring in Ethnicity, Race and Migration; Member of Rhythmic Blue, Yale Daily News, Yale Dancers

2020 | KENTUCKY

Elif Ozyurekoglu

Student at Columbia University majoring in Biomedical Engineering; Swim/Dive Team; Kappa Alpha Theta; Society of Women Engineers; Columbia Podcast Reporter