Contestants and Organizers Prepare for April 1 DYW Program

With the less than a week away, preparations are in motion for the annual contest, which is designed to empower high school women by providing scholarships, developing life skills and encouraging positive values.

“The DYW Program seems to get better and better each year,” said last year’s Co-Chair Darshna Shah.

More than $6,000 has already been raised for the program from a corporate sponsor, community leaders and supporters. The city of Cerritos also pledged $1,250 in support of the annual event, which provides scholarships to young women who are high school juniors based on their talent and scholastic ability.

This year's 26 contestants began practicing their fitness routine at  last week under the direction of l.

Several of last year’s DYW participants also came to help out, sharing their experiences of how the DYW program exceeded all of their expectations.

“They truly understand the spirit of DYW, and they all have remained close even now a year later. That is why they all wanted to come back and share it with the next class,” said Beejoli Shah, committee member and a former participant of Junior Miss Cerritos. 

Tickets to the April 1 DYW program at cost $10 per person and only 300 tickets are available for the event.  To order tickets before they’re sold out, call Cindy Yen Chen at (562) 762-6750 or email her at CindyYenChen@yahoo.com.

Distinguished Young Women, formerly America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program, is sponsored by the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Eastern Shore Toyota, Encore Rehabilitation, SPANX, Mobile Gas-A Sempra Company, Regions Bank, Alabama Power Foundation, and Master Boat Builders. The 55th National Finals will take place in Mobile, Alabama on June 28, 29 & 30, 2012. For more information about Distinguished Young Women, visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.