Saline, Mich. teen named Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan

Statewide scholarship program awarded $10,000 in cash scholarships to participants

Mobile, Ala. (February 2, 2012) - On January 28, Christine Houle of Saline, Mich. was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan and awarded $3,500 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Saline High School in Saline, Mich.

Houle was one of 13 high school senior girls from Michigan who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan for 2012. Other award recipients included: Ankita Nallani of Troy (1st Runner-up), Sarah Baker of Clayton (2nd Runner-up) and Payton Reilly of Howell (3rd 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, Houle will represent Michigan 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.

Houle is the daughter of Lisa and William Houle and is a senior at Saline High School. Houle’s achievements include: National Merit Scholarship Commended Student Award; Gold Honor Roll; All A's Academic Award; Social Studies Award; 2010 Junior Miss Majorette of Michigan; 2010 Grand National Team Member of the Year; AP Scholar with Honors; 2011 National Majorette Strut 1st Runner-Up; Michigan Youth Leadership Conference Attendee; 6th in Prepared Speech at BPA States. In addition, Houle’s activities include: Baton Twirling; Twirling Ambassador to Peru; Saline High School Majorette Captain; Students Re-Investing in a Valuable Education; Business Professional of America President; National Honor Society Secretary; Ballet, Jazz, and Pointe; Meals on Wheels Delivery Person; Wedding Coordinator at 1st Presbyterian Church; avid reader and writer.

The 55th National Finals will take place on June 28, 29, and 30, 2012, in Mobile, Ala. Houle will travel to Mobile, Ala. 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, won the 2011 overall award.

For more information on Distinguished Young Women of Michigan, please contact Angela Bobo at 734-250-5777 Michigan@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, 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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