Program seeks 'Distinguished Young Women' to show talents

Debra and Brooke Beard believe this area is filled with bright, talented young women.

They are eager for those young women to participate in the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program - formerly known as America's Junior Miss - which is back in Aiken County after an extended absence.

At one point, Aiken County was once the home of the state Distinguished Young Women program, which allows high school girls to showcase their intelligence, talent and abilities for college scholarship money, but had not held a state qualifying competition in years.

The Beards felt so many local girls were missing out on the many opportunities they feel the program provides, that they took it upon themselves to resurrect it.

Both women are products of the program and have nothing but good things to say about it. Brook was South Carolina Junior Miss in 2007 and Debra was Midland Valley Junior Miss in 1981.

"This is building juniors and seniors for a better future. To have that scholarship money at their disposal is a huge advantage in the economy we live in," Brooke said. "The opportunities and experiences are endless."

Two young women emerged from the Aiken County competition this summer and went on to the state competition earlier this month. Marina Clements was named Distinguished Young Woman North Aiken County and Katie Besley was named Distinguished Young Woman South Aiken County.

Clements won the state competition South Carolina's Distinguished Young Woman and will represent the state at the national level next year against 49 other contestants in Mobile, Ala.

She was awarded $5,800 and plans to attend Clemson University and major in biomedical engineering.

"It really didn't matter the outcome, it's the journey getting there. Go at it with all your heart. Try your hardest," said Clements, a rising North Augusta High School senior. "It was an awesome experience."

The contestants are judged in five categories - scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.

Besley, a rising Aiken High School senior, said her favorite category was fitness.

"Just hearing everyone cheering you on while you're on stage. It was probably the most thrilling part. It was an honor to represent the county, and I can't think enough the people who gave me that opportunity," she said.

Any high school junior living in Aiken County can apply to participate in Distinguished Young Women.

"There are so many really talented, smart women in Aiken County," Debra said. "This helps them go on to be good citizens and they'll bring it back here."

Distinguished Young Women was founded in Mobile, Ala., by the city's Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycees. In the late 1950s, the Jaycees established a national scholarship program and incorporated it in 1957.

In 1958, Mobile was the home of the first national program, with representatives from 18 states. Today, the national program spans the country with contestants from all 50 states. More than 5,000 young women participate at the local and state levels each year, according to the website.

For more information, call Debra Beard at 641-7404 or e-mail dbeard@bellsouth.net.