Kaitlyn Kolybakos Named Distinguished Young Woman of Sonoma County

Kaitlyn Kolybakos, a student at Analy High in Sebastopol, took home the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Sonoma County, and $1,500 in college money, at last night’s competition — held at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park.

Kolybakos was one of nine women who competed in the Distinguished Young Women Contest, formerly called Young Miss.

“The name was changed to get it away from being looked at like a pageant,” said Pat Miller, a program chairperson. “We want it to look good on college applications.”

“We don’t judge on looks,” added Kevin Miller, an event organizer.

The western-themed event featured fitness, talent and self-expression competitions.

Judging criteria was based on: 25 percent interview, where judges looked for a sense of values, concern for the world around them and clarity of expression; 20 percent on scholastics; 15 percent on fitness; 15 percent on self expression, where judges considered the candidates’ grace, poise under pressure, confidence and the ability to communicate ideas; and 25 percent on individual talents.

Kolybakos roused the audience, of about 200 people, with her pushups, her passion for combating childhood obesity and her tae kwon doe.

“My daughter is a first degree black belt, a California State Triple Crown champion, and competed in the top 10 world competition in tae kwon doe,” said Kolybakos’ mom, Mary. “I’m beyond proud.”

“My dad felt young women should know self-defense,” Kolybakos said. “There’s crazy people in the world.”

Kolybakos won the grand prize, along with the fitness and self-expression portion.

Linda Chen took home the $250 prize for the talent portion of the contest for her piano performance. Chen also placed for Distinguished Young Woman alternate; a $600 scholarship award.

Other talents included piano renditions from Frederic Chopin, a color guard performance, a monologue from Dr. Seuss’ “Oh The Places You’ll Go” and two dance numbers.

Michelle Shao took home the $400 scholastic achievement award, and Tab Srisengfa won the $250 scholarship for spirit.

Event volunteers said they were inspired and impressed by the girls' passion to change the world, willingness to help others and their dedication to education.

Rancho Cotate High student Corryn Fleming’s message for the night was the importance of community service.

“I believe my involvement in community service has changed my life and my country,” Fleming said. “It’s given me confidence.”

“I’m so proud of her,” said Fleming’s mom, Cathy.

Srisengfa used her time to shake up the audience about the importance of mitigating global climate change, Rancho student Emily Jensen told a bold first-person account on how student bullying impacts a person and Christina Bui spoke about the importance of arts programs in education.

"I personally feel the [impact] of budget cuts on the arts," Bui siad. "It limits the creative potential of today's students."

But, the money wasn’t the grand prize, the girls said. It’s the friendships along the way that are the real gold.

“Being a Junior Miss is all about forging lifelong relationships,” said Sunny Chen, last year’s south Sonoma County Junior Miss. “As long as you hold on to your positive attitudes, you all leave here a winner.”

Kolybakos will move on to compete in the national Distinguished Young Women competition, this summer in Bakersfield.

Editor’s note: Distinguished Young Women is a nonprofit organization, formerly known as Young Miss, started in 1958. It emphases education, self-confidence and the importance of helping others. More than 700,000 women have competed nationally, according to event organizers. Every person involved in the program volunteered his or her time. Click through the slideshow at the right for photos of the night.