Pocatello, Idaho teen named Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho

Statewide scholarship program awarded more than $14,000 in cash scholarships to participants

Mobile, Ala. (October 18, 2011) - On October 8, Michelle Miso Jang of Pocatello, Idaho was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho and awarded $5,150 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at the Civic Auditorium in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Jang was one of 38 high school senior girls from Idaho who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Idaho for 2012. Other award recipients included: Kristen Crofts of Idaho Falls (1st Runner-up, Talent Award, Overall Scholastics Award) and Lauren Smith of Post Falls (2nd Runner-up). Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (20%), Interview (25%), Fitness (15%), Self-Expression (15%) and Talent (25%).

Throughout the next year, Jang will represent Idaho at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

“I admire the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program because it recognizes girls not only for their external beauty, but also their internal beauty,” said Jang. “I met many girls that were all beautiful and talented in their own ways. They inspired me to be my best self, and I am so thrilled to be able to represent them and Idaho at Nationals.”

Jang is the daughter of John and Susan Jang and is a senior at Century High School. Jang’s achievements include: Member of National Honor Society; Advanced Placement Program; Early College Program; Honors Program; and various dance awards. In addition, Jang’s activities include: Competitive Dancer for Dana Smith Dance Studio; Experienced in Pointe, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary; Apprenticeship Program in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz; Pianist for 7 years; and "Too Great for Hate" club.

The 55th National Finals will take place on June 28, 29, and 30, 2012, in Mobile, Alabama. Jang will travel to Mobile, Alabama along with 49 other state representatives to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012 and for a share of more than $130,000 in cash scholarships. Tennessee’s Katye Brock, who is attending the University of Tennessee-Knoxville this fall, won the 2011 overall award.

For more information on Distinguished Young Women of Idaho, please contact Sandi Goodlander at 208-660-8778 Idaho@DistinguishedYW.org.

About Distinguished Young Women
Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Alabama, Distinguished Young Women, is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. During its 54 years of operation, the program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women. Last year Distinguished Young Women provided more than $108 million in cash and college scholarship opportunities to program participants at the local, state and national levels. Previously known as America’s Junior Miss, the program announced its new name in June 2010.

The mission of Distinguished Young Women is to positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent. National sponsors include the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Eastern Shore Toyota, Encore Rehabilitation, SPANX, Mobile Gas: A Sempra Company, Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Bank and Master Boat Builders.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Stephanie Bradford, National Headquarters Communications Director (251-622-5335, Stephanie@DistinguishedYW.org) or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.

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