Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program chairwoman Christine Yocum recently announced the 15 participants for the 2012-13 program. Co-chairing this year's program are Danielle Nohlquist and Kaycee Currie.
Formerly known as Lakewood Area Junior Miss Scholarship Program, this year marks the 47th program in the Jamestown area since its establishment in 1958 in Mobile, Ala. The 15 participants were chosen carefully, based on academic achievement, community and school activities, and a personal interview.
Representing seven local high schools, this year's participants are: Morgan Deppas, Johnna Graham, Alyssa Leathers and Olivia Nugent from Jamestown; Rebecca Josephson and Veronica Schuver from Southwestern; Allison Munella from Falconer; Mary Schmitz and Luciana Sena from Chautauqua Lake; Kenzie Sandberg from Maple Grove; Shawna Raymond, McKenzie Cass, Alanna Blanchard and Morgan Knight from Frewsburg Central; and Morgan Fiebelkorn from Randolph Central.
Article Photos
In front from left are Kenzie Sandberg, Jamestown; Luciana Sena, Chautauqua Lake; Mary Schmitz, Chautauqua Lake; and Shawna Raymond, Frewsburg. In the second row are Alanna Blanchard, Frewsburg; Allison Munella, Falconer; Morgan Fiebelkorn, Randolph; Johnna Graham, Jamestown; and Morgan Deppas, Jamestown. In back are Rebecca Josephson, Southwestern; Veronica Schuver, Southwestern; McKenzie Cass, Frewsburg; Morgan Knight, Frewsburg; Alyssa Leathers, Jamestown; and Olivia Nugent, Jamestown.
Show producer Maura Morganti is working with choreographers Tiffany Wakeley Heintzman and Kaycee Currie on various elements of the program including the opening, fitness, self-expression and talent sections. "Stronger" is the theme of this year's program, and the participants will begin rehearsing in early July. The program will be held in Jamestown at the Reg Lenna Civic Center on Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
The participants will compete for college scholarships, and the winner of the local program will continue to the state level competition in the spring. In addition to cash scholarships, participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from nearly 200 colleges and universities.
Each participant is also paired with an area third- or fourth-grade "little sister" whom they mentor throughout their experience in the program. The Little Sisters, chaired by Rosa Farrell, will perform in the program, fundraise for the scholarship funds, help with community service and participate in fun activities with the program participants. The committee appreciates the community support through scholarship donations, booklet advertising and show attendance.