From the Distinguished Young Women Program

Mary Claire Brewer of Washington was selected at the Distinguished Young Women At-Large Program, on Saturday, Oct. 17, to advance to the state program to be held in January. The program was held in Fuquay-Varina.

The Distinguished Young Women Program was founded in 1958 in Mobile, Alabama, and is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school senior girls. For more than 50 years, the program was known as America’s Junior Miss. In 2010, it officially changed its named to Distinguished Young Women. In addition to providing life-changing experiences for more than 740,000 young women across the country, the organization has awarded more than $104 million in cash scholarships at the local, state and national levels. Along with cash scholarships, Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from over 100 colleges and universities. The At-Large program is offered to all senior high school girls who do not have a local DYW program in their community.

DYW is an empowerment program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience culminating in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. The participants are judged in five categories; scholastics, interview, fitness, self-expression and talent. The program is not to be confused as a beauty pageant.

Mary Claire will compete in the North Carolina program along with 17 other outstanding young ladies on Jan. 29–30, 2016, where approximately $20,000 in cash college scholarships will be awarded. The program will be held at the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro.

Mary Claire attends St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, where she is very active in her school and community. Mary Claire is the daughter of Michelle Brewer.