Competition begins for Ketchikan Teen Competing in the 65th Distinguished Young Women National FinalsPosted & Edited By MARY KAUFFMAN
June 21, 2022
Olson is one of 50 representatives competing for over $150,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2022. Throughout their two week stay, the 50 state representatives will take part in community activities and events along with many rehearsals for National Finals performances. Thursday marks the start of live showcases for Lauren Olson, the Ketchikan, Alaska teen competing in the 65th Distinguished Young Women National Finals. Olson, along with 49 other state representatives, has been in Mobile for the past two weeks participating in community activities and preparing for the national scholarship competition. Ticket and live webcast information can be found at DYWNationalFinals.com The program’s evaluation process includes scholastics, interview, fitness, talent, and self-expression. During the preliminary competitions Thursday and Friday, each participant will compete in the categories of self-expression, fitness and talent. Olson has completed an individual interview with a panel of five judges and her scholastic performance has been scored through an evaluation process of her high school academic record and standardized test scores. On Saturday, June 25, eight finalists will be selected from the group of 50 young women and will compete for the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2022. Over the three-night event, all 50 will compete for a share of over $150,000 dollars in total cash scholarships. For her talent presentation, Olson will sing “Panis Angelicus”. Olson is a 2022 graduate of Ketchikan High School and the daughter of Lillias and Daniel Olson. About Distinguished Young Women Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Their 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 their 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.
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