Brookfield, Conn. teen named Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut

Statewide scholarship program awarded cash scholarships to participants

Mobile, Ala. (January 11, 2012) - On January 8, Zoe Miller of Brookfield, Conn. was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut and awarded $500 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, Conn.
 
Miller was one of 3 high school senior girls from Connecticut who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut for 2012. Other award recipients included: Kelly Kimball of Weatogue (1st Runner-up) and Micala Smith of Baltic (Spirit Award). Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (20%), Interview (25%), Fitness (15%), Self-Expression (15%) and Talent (25%).

Throughout the next year, Miller will represent Connecticut at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

“I feel so privileged to have been given the honor of being the Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut for 2012” said Miller. “After taking part at the state program this past weekend, I believe that Distinguished Young Women shows girls across the country that anything is possible if you are dedicated and set goals for yourself.”

Miller is the daughter of Larry and Jane Miller and is a senior at Brookfield High School. Miller’s achievements include: National Merit Scholar; National Honor Society; French Honor Society; Connecticut Academic Performance Test Honors Award; Student Council Treasurer; American Protege First Prize Winner; Crescendo International Competition Winner; National Young Maestro First Prize Winner; American Chamber Orchestra Finalist; Business Law Academic Achievement Award. In addition, Miller’s activities include: World Youth Alliance Orchestra Member; Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Violinist; National Honors Society Member; Amnesty International President; French Honors Society Member; Church Youth Group President; Norwalk Youth Symphony Member; Foret String Quartet Founder; Apollo String Quartet Member; Brookfield Math Team Member.


The 55th National Finals will take place on June 28, 29, and 30, 2012, in Mobile, Alabama. Miller will travel to Mobile, Alabama along with 49 other state representatives to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012 and for a share of more than $130,000 in cash scholarships. Tennessee’s Katye Brock, who is attending the University of Tennessee-Knoxville this year, won the 2011 overall award.

For more information on Distinguished Young Women of Connecticut, please contact Lois Wims at 914-674-7517 Connecticut@DistinguishedYW.org.

About Distinguished Young Women
Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Alabama, Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. During its 54 years of operation, the program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women. Last year Distinguished Young Women provided more than $108 million in cash and college scholarship opportunities to program participants at the local, state and national levels. Previously known as America’s Junior Miss, the program announced its new name in June 2010.

The mission of Distinguished Young Women is to positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent. National sponsors include the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Eastern Shore Toyota, Encore Rehabilitation, SPANX, Mobile Gas: A Sempra Company, Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Bank and Master Boat Builders.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Stephanie Bradford, National Headquarters Communications Director (251-622-5335, Stephanie@DistinguishedYW.org) or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.
 
Find us on Facebook and Twitter:
www.facebook.com/distinguishedyw  
www.twitter.com/distinguishedyw