Anna Claire Bridges of Downsville, Louisiana will travel to Mobile, Alabama on Monday, June 13 to participate in the 65th Distinguished Young Women National Finals from June 23 to 25 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Bridges is one of 50 representatives competing for over $150,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Women of America for 2022.
Following her selection as the Distinguished Young Women of Louisiana, Bridges began preparations for the National Finals competition, which will include five categories of evaluation: scholastics, interview, fitness, talent, and self-expression. During her two weeks in Mobile, Bridges will participate in team-building activities, complete community service projects, interact with the Gulf Coast community through various events, and engage in many hours of rehearsal in preparation for the three-night scholarship competition.
"We are excited to host these incredible young women who are leaders in their schools and communities," said Kendra Haskins, Executive Director for Distinguished Young Women. "We know the future is in good hands."
If selected as the program's overall winner, Bridges will spend the next year representing Distinguished Young Women across the country through various appearances and promoting the program's national outreach initiative of Be Your Best Self. The outreach program is designed to combat major issues facing children today including childhood obesity and high school drop-out rates, as well as encourage young people to take an active interest in their communities through service. The outreach program consists of five elements- Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.
Bridges is a 2022 graduate of D'Arbonne Woods Charter School and the daughter of Ashley and Richard Bridges.
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach theri full individual potential. Its 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 Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school.
For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Tara Principe, NAtional Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or tara@distinguishedyw.org or visit www.distinguishedyw.org.