Press Release
Mary Compton (right) of Charleston will travel to Mobile, Ala., on Monday, June 13th, to participate in the 65th Distinguished Young Women National Finals on June 23, 24 and 25 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Compton is one of 50 representatives competing for over $150,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2022.
Following her selection as the Distinguished Young Woman of South Carolina, Compton 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, Compton 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, Compton 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.
Compton is a 2022 graduate of Academic Magnet High School and the daughter of Elizabeth and Matthew Compton.
About Distinguished Young Women
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our 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 our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Shoe Station and the Barkin Family, Gant Travel Management, the Coffeen Family, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
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.
