MOUNT VERNON — The Distinguished Young Women of Ohio scholarship program participants took the stage Friday night at Mount Vernon’s Memorial Theater with a spirited musical opening. During the event, three “Be Your Best Self” Award scholarships were given, as well as, a cash scholarship for the program’s Spirit Award.
A $350 cash scholarship was presented to each of the two “Be Your Best Self” Award finalists, Raquel Gonzalez, West Montgomery County, and Sienna Gerdeman, Northern Putnam County. The overall “Be Your Best Self” Award winner was Julia Shappert, Pickaway County. She received a $500 scholarship.
The Distinguished Young Women Spirit Award winner was nominated by her peers in the program. Haley Snyder, Northern Allen County, received the 2013 award and a $500 scholarship.
This year’s program is emceed by the mother/daughter team of Dana Ullom-Vucelich and Jenna Vucelich. The women are well-suited to the task, because they were also scholarship program participants.
All of this year’s program judges were also past Junior Misses or Distinguished Young Women. A separate panel of judges evaluates the academic portion of the program.
The emcees were assisted, at times, by 2012 Distinguished Young Woman of Ohio Stephanie Marie Yasechko. Not only did Yasechko help keep the program moving, she also entertained the audience with baton twirling routines choreographed with dance.
Ullom-Vucelich interviewed Yasechko about her experience in the state competition.
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