(Cushing,Okla.) Cushing Lions were treated to a visit from the 2012 winner of the Distinguished Young Women of Payne County, Cushing High School junior Anna-Marie Ahrberg.
Miss Ahrberg talked about the program, formerly known as the Jr. Miss Pageant, and why the name has changed.
The new name was announced at the 54th National Finals on June 25th, 2010. At that time a medallion was presented in addition to college scholarships to symbolize the winner’s achievements in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.
“The name ‘Distinguished Young Women’ was given as a way to eliminate the idea that the program is just a beauty pageant,” Ahrberg told the group.
It is also a way to continue encouraging good self-esteem in young women. A key element of Distinguished Young Women is the “Be Your Best Self program”. It emphasizes five elements: Be Healthy, Be Studious, Be Responsible, Be Ambitious and Be Involved.
Ahrberg said she had been interested in the program for some time, which is why, once she was old enough, she decided to enter. “I signed up because of my desire to be a role model and to compete in a variety of events,” Ahrberg continued.
The competition included scholastics, which were determined in advance, a fitness routine, talent, self-expression and an interview. Her interview question was: “What qualities have you learned from your older siblings.” Ahrberg said she is the youngest of four and had learned “integrity and to do the right thing – even when it wasn’t easy.”
As for her talent, Ahrberg said she did a dance routine. “Dancing is my passion,” she said.
Ahrberg won the title of 2012 Distinguished Young Women of Payne County in March, 2011 and will go on to compete in the state competition to be held in July. She is the daughter of Bill and Jo Ahrberg.
Click to learn more about the Distinguished Young Women program: www.ajm.org/
*Editor’s note: Anna-Marie will be a guest on an upcoming segment of the Donna & Molly Show, weekdays, 7 – 10 a.m. on 1600 KUSH radio.
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