Distinguished Young Women OF Utah At-Large


is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholastics, leadership and talent in young women. Earn scholarships for higher education, personally develop through the DYW Life Skills Workshops, and make new friends from around the state.


Learn more

Photo of Ellyse Kessler
Ellyse Kessler
Distinguished Young Woman of North Bountiful for 2024
Photo of Kaitlyn Bailey
Kaitlyn Bailey
Distinguished Young Woman of Hyde Park for 2024
Photo of Emma Rampton
Emma Rampton
Distinguished Young Woman of Kaysville for 2024
Photo of Halle Mclelland
Halle Mclelland
Distinguished Young Woman of North Salt Lake for 2024
Photo of Annika Pitcher
Annika Pitcher
Distinguished Young Woman of Lindon for 2024
Photo of Rachel Austin
Rachel Austin
Distinguished Young Woman of Logan for 2024
Photo of Diya Oommen
Diya Oommen
Distinguished Young Woman of West Salt Lake City for 2024
Photo of Charity Hung
Charity Hung
Distinguished Young Woman of North American Fork for 2024
Photo of Abigail Evensen
Abigail Evensen
Distinguished Young Woman of Richfield for 2024
Photo of Alanna Holzer
Alanna Holzer
Distinguished Young Woman of South Bountiful for 2024
Photo of Kate Christensen
Kate Christensen
Distinguished Young Woman of Springville for 2024
Photo of Hope Hung
Hope Hung
Distinguished Young Woman of South American Fork for 2024
Photo of Kyah Smith
Kyah Smith
Distinguished Young Woman of Orem for 2024
Photo of Kalina Tucker
Kalina Tucker
Distinguished Young Woman of Washington for 2024
Photo of Danielle Frost
Danielle Frost
Distinguished Young Woman of Vineyard for 2024
Photo of Sophia Mun
Sophia Mun
Distinguished Young Woman of Sandy for 2024
Photo of Sophie Hansen
Sophie Hansen
Distinguished Young Woman of East Salt Lake City for 2024
Photo of Livia Solomon
Livia Solomon
Distinguished Young Woman of Highland for 2024
Program Information

Class of 2025 Program

April 19-20, 2024

Where:
PROGRAM HELD VIRTUALLY

Life-Changing Experience

College scholarships are awarded at the state level and millions in college-granted scholarships are available nationally. The state representative will advance to the national program for the opportunity to compete for cash tuition scholarships. To participate, you must be in your junior of high school. Participants are evaluated in the areas of: scholastics, interview, talent, self-expression, and fitness.

CLASS OF 2025 APPLICATION DEADLINE

MARCH 4, 2024


Apply Now

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Utah At-Large

2024 Local Participants


These participants will take part in the up-coming local program.

Participants

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of North Bountiful

Photo of Ellyse Kessler
Ellyse Kessler
From
Bountiful

University Preference
Utah Tech University

Career Goal
Prosecuting Attorney

Achievements:
National Honor Society Junior Yr (2021-Present)High Honor Roll- 4.0 Exceptional Citizenship

Activites:
ViolaSoccerPianoPickleballExerciseTravel

Additional:
Certified Training Victim- Helping CERT by portraying injured victims in crisis. (2022)Serving breakfast to homeless youth at the Youth Resource Center in SLC (2022)Serving dinner for elementary science stem fundraiser (2023)Tied Blankets for Bountiful YouthPlayed Piano at an Assisted Living Center

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Hyde Park

Photo of Kaitlyn Bailey
Kaitlyn Bailey
From
Hyde Park

University Preference
Southern Utah University

Career Goal
Travel Wildlife Veterinarian

Achievements:
National Honors Society Hyde Park City Royalty 5th Grade Governor Violin Soloist Great American AwardGraduate from Children's Mercy Hospital

Activites:
Northern Utah Youth SymphonyCache Youth OrchestraChamper Music ProjectHyde Park City RoyaltyElementary School MentorZootah VolunteerGreen Canyon Hope SquadHyde Park Stake Youth CouncilCache Valley Marlins Swim TeamSolo Ensemble

Additional:
Zootah VolunteerHyde Park City RoyaltyElementary School TutorBlankets for foster kidsNursing home violin tour

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Kaysville

Photo of Emma Rampton
Emma Rampton
From
Kaysville

University Preference
Utah State University

Career Goal
Foreign Affairs Analyst/International Analyst

Achievements:
National President's Education Award: Academic Excellence 2021 Citizenship Honor Roll 3 years National Federation of Music: Piano competition 6 yrs/2 gold cups 1st place/Gold medalist at Regional and State High School Theatre CompetitionPiano Federation Concerto Festival Competition ('21 & '22) superior rating Geography Bee Winner of District National Honors Society Microsoft Office Specialist in Word/PowerPoint/Excel Church Leadership Positions Career and Technical Certificate for Floriculture 2022

Activites:
Performer at Disneyland Performing ArtsPiano Federation and recitalsCenterstage Theatre for YouthDavis High Theatre: Musicals, One-acts, AdvancedHigh School Region competitive theatre teamPhotographyKaysville Creamery ManagerDavis High Cologuard (marching band)

Additional:
Utah Refugee Center -transcribing records, legal documents and collecting donationsAmbassador for Women's Health through the Days for Girls OrganizationFamily, Career and Community Leaders of AmericaCares/cleans for my widowed grandmotherPerformed numerous musical programs for assisted living/retirement homes

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of North Salt Lake

Photo of Halle Mclelland
Halle Mclelland
From
nsl

University Preference
University of Utah

Career Goal
psychology

Achievements:
High Honor Roll Young Women Medallion Dance Company Secretary Church Youth President and LeaderMissionary Committee Seminary President

Activites:
Woods Cross Chatelles (drill team)Woods Cross Dance CompanyAdvanced High School Team at Creative Arts AcademyReadingPickleballWake SurfingJournalingConcurrent Enrollment ClassesGolf

Additional:
Just ServeUtah Food Pantry

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Lindon

Photo of Annika Pitcher
Annika Pitcher
From
Lindon

University Preference
Brigham Young University

Career Goal
Piano Teacher

Achievements:
First place Salt Lake Piano Competition Romantic Category 2022 High Honor Roll Grades 9-11 Encore Solo Competition Finalist 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 Encore Piano Association Golden Cup 2022

Activites:
PianoVolleyballYearbook CommitteeSingingHot Pilates

Additional:
Little Miss Lindon (2018)A Child's Hope Foundation (2021)Lindon City Youth Council (2022-2023)Church chorister (2020-2022)Church Stake Youth Council (2021-2022)

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Logan

Photo of Rachel Austin
Rachel Austin
From
Logan

University Preference
Brigham Young University

Career Goal
Counseling Psychologist

Achievements:
State Solo/Ensemble Honor Roll National Honor Society Lettering in Cross Country

Activites:
Track and FieldCross CountryFrench ClubEnvironthonOrchestra

Additional:
Fundraisers Youth Service GroupsFamily Place Youth Council

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of West Salt Lake City

Photo of Diya Oommen
Diya Oommen
From
Salt Lake City

University Preference
Harvey Mudd

Career Goal
Design Engineer

Achievements:
Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission "Youth Emerging Leader" 2nd place, UHSAA 6A State, Oratory. Top 5 in state for four years running, TOC double-bid qualified. State Winner, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition1st place, State of Utah Mock Trial.1st place in sector, 2nd overall, International Empire Mock Trial 2nd place, National Speech and Debate Utah, Oratory1st place, Academic World Quest 2022Youth State of the City Speaker for the Salt Lake City Council

Activites:
CEO of Blue Arrow, a small business with over 3000 sales! I founded it when I was 11 and have been running it ever since, making 5 figures a year. Intern for Salt Lake City Mayor's Office. Community Outreach Team, Youth Liaison. Creating unique engagement strategies to empower and increase access to our local youth community. Speech and Debate Captain, 4 hours of volunteer coaching for peers and elementary and middle school students each week. West High School Mock Trial CaptainMission Math Utah, Member.Salt Lake City Youth City Government, Member. Sole Youth Member elected to the SLC Mayor's Racial Equity in Policing Commission. SquashStrength Training/WeightliftingProject Management Intern for Alpha Projects, a team managing the expansion of a 20 million dollar project in downtown SLC.

Additional:
Sole student on Salt Lake City Mayor's "Racial Equity in Policing" Commission.Sole student on Salt Lake City's "Redistricting Commission" for council. Member of Mission Math Utah, nonprofit promoting access for youth in math. Member of We the Future, nonprofit for teen voter preregistration. 800 so far. Math coaching for elementary and middle school students in lower income areas of Salt Lake.

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of North American Fork

Photo of Charity Hung
Charity Hung
From
American Fork

University Preference
BYU

Career Goal
Software Engineering

Achievements:
Piano Marvel National Comp winner (2x) Great Composers International Competition 2nd place Encore Keyboard, Technique, Theory competition (6x) Salt Lake Piano Competition and NUVPT (2x) Competition Encore Projects Fair (100%), Ensemble Piano Festival (2x) UMTA State Honors Recital winner (3x) studio Recital Winner (1st place, 2nd place, Honorable Mention) Academic Decathlon 8x medals Honor Roll (4x) FIRST Lego Leauge CHALLENGE Region winner

Activites:
Competitive PianoAcademic DecathlonViolinChamber Orchestra LPHSAmerican Heritage Chamber/SymphonicTravel to TaiwanBeen to 6 different schools

Additional:
Help Taiwanese students learn EnglishLeader in young women group Piano in assisted livingPiano in church seminaryLone Peak library weekly service activity

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Richfield

Photo of Abigail Evensen
Abigail Evensen
From
Richfield

University Preference
Southern Utah University

Career Goal
Registered Nurse

Achievements:
Junior Miss Sevier Valley First Attendant General Sterling Scholar Class Vice President (2020-2023) National Honors Society Member Five Consecutive Superior Ratings for Utah Federation of Music Clubs Theory event Five Consecutive Superior Ratings Utah Federation of Music Clubs Piano Solo eventSecondary Math 1,2 and 3 Honors Outstanding Achievement (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior years) Honor Roll 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023Captain of Richfield High School's Varsity Soccer Team

Activites:
Small business owner of Shaka SnowOriginal songwriter and producer of four songsFreshman, Sophomore, Junior Class Vice PresidentStudent Body Vice President 2023-2024Active member of National Honors SocietyBoating with my family Traveling with my family Voice and Piano LessonsCookingPlaying Soccer and Basketball

Additional:
Personally hosted a youth basketball camp to raise money for the Children's Justice CenterVolunteered at Sevier County Backpack club and made kits of food for kids. Volunteered to teach and instruct a soccer clinic for the youth in Richfield. Served food at the Haiti Breakfast organized by the National Honors Society. Raised money at a local event for school supplies and backpacks for kids.

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of South Bountiful

Photo of Alanna Holzer
Alanna Holzer
From
Bountiful

University Preference
CalTech

Career Goal
Immigration Law

Achievements:
4.0 High Honor Roll (9th-11th Grade) Swimming: 1st Place-Region, 50 Free, State Swim Qualifier (2020-23) Student of the Year Award (9th Grade) 1st Place - DECA USU Aggie Invitational, Business Law and Ethics National Speech and Debate Association - Degree of Merit Water Polo - 1st Place in Northern Utah Division 2022 Piano Certificate of Merit 20181st Place Science Project - Davis DistrictScholastic Achievement Award (9th Grade) AP Scholar Award

Activites:
Water Polo and Swim TeamsWork: Chinese Tutor and Restaurant HostCross Country TeamDebate TeamAcademic Olympiad TeamDECA ClubNational Honors SocietyChurch Youth GroupPianoSwing Club (Dancing)

Additional:
9 hours - unpaid volunteer work at city holiday festivals and races.7.5 hours - unpaid volunteer work at the local food pantry and teen center.7 hours - unpaid performances in rest homes during the holidays.3.5 hours - unpaid trash clean-up on local highways and parks.2 hours - unpaid blood donation.

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Springville

Photo of Kate Christensen
Kate Christensen
From
Springville

University Preference
Brigham Young University

Career Goal
Actress, Speech Pathologist

Achievements:
Vice President SHS Drama Guild 2023-2024State Drama Superior RatingState Dance Co Fest Superior RatingAP Scholar with Distinction 1st place Excel FBLA State Prep CompetitionKey Club OfficerUtah Ambassadors of Music European Tour 2023 nominationInternational Thespian Society memberHonor Roll

Activites:
TheaterBallroom DanceVoiceReadingWriting fantasyPianoDrawing/PaintingFencingKey ClubFBLA

Additional:
Food and Care Coalition volunteeringSpringville City Food Drive 2022Springville Youth Theater Council member summer 2023Springville Art Museum Children's Art FestivalUnderground track and drama closet cleanup at my school

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of South American Fork

Photo of Hope Hung
Hope Hung
From
American Fork

University Preference
Brigham Young University, University of Utah

Career Goal
Engineering

Achievements:
Piano Marvel National Comp winner (2x) Great Composers International Competition 2nd place Studio Recital Winner (1st place, 2nd place, Honorable Mention) UMTA State Honors Recital winner (2x) Encore projects Fair (100%), Ensemble Piano Festival (2x) Salt Lake Piano Competition 3rd place, Honorable Mention Utah State Piano Fest and NUVPT (2x) Competition Keyboard, Technique, Theory competition (6x) FIRST Lego League CHALLENGE Region winner Honor Roll (4x)

Activites:
Competitive PianoSymphonic Orchestra LPHSAmerican Heritage Chamber/SymphonicDessert makingBeen to 6 different schoolsManhwaTravel to Taiwan4H

Additional:
Playing piano at nursing homePiano in church congregationLone Peak library weekly service activityEncore Piano Association student monitorPlaying hymns for church seminary

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Orem

Photo of Kyah Smith
Kyah Smith
From
Orem

University Preference
Utah State University

Career Goal
Physical Therapist

Achievements:
2021 Student Marshal Alpine School District Honor Orchestra Reflections award for dance choreography Reflections award for visual art National Honors Society Young Women Personal Progress MedallionHonor Bee

Activites:
VolleyballSoccerPaintingMusical TheaterSchool a capella groupGuitarViolinPianoSingingTeaching piano lessons

Additional:
Neighborhood beautificationPlayed piano at the retirement homeSewed masks for healthcare workersMade starter kits for refugee familiesMade sack lunches for the Food and Care Coalition in Provo

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Washington

Photo of Kalina Tucker
Kalina Tucker
From
Washington

University Preference
MIT, GCU, Naval Academy

Career Goal
Entrepreneur, Astrobiologist

Achievements:
Science Student of the Year 2022, Utah Arts Academy National Honor Society President 2022-present President's Education Award 2020 President's Education Award 2019 Spirit Award 2022, Utah Arts Academy Math Student of the Quarter 2021 Praise Band Leader 2019-2020 Best All-Around 7th Grader 2019, Renton Christian Musical Theater Student Government Councilwoman Commercial Music Student of the Quarter 2023

Activites:
Recording ArtistAxe ThrowingImprov TeamNational Honor Society PresidentBook UpcyclingFlower PressingGuitarYouth Washington City CouncilwomanShootingMusical Theater

Additional:
Providing birthday parties for children in financial needPerforming at hospitals and retirement homesOrganizing sock drives and can drives for local shelters Free tutoringCleaning parks and major roads, picking up trash

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Vineyard

Photo of Danielle Frost
Danielle Frost
From
Vineyard

University Preference
Brigham Young University, Utah Tech University

Career Goal
Pediatric nurse

Achievements:
High Honor roll all semesters - 2020-Present President's Award for Educational Exellence Varsity Cheer Letter - 3 years Top 10 - Miss Utahs Outstanding Teen 2022 & 2023 Miss Orems Outstanding Teen 2021 Varsity Cheer Capitain 2022-2024 Student Council Sophmore Representative USA Varsity Cheer National Qualifier Spirit of Miss Orem 2021 4 Points Program runner up - MUOT

Activites:
High School Varsity Cheer 2020-Present Tumbling/Cheerleading CoachPiano Student Council 2021-2022SnowboardingYearly Lake Powell trips Boating Spending time with Freinds and family Baking Reading

Additional:
Vineyard City Youth Council Miss Orem Royalty 2021, Community service activities 2-5 times a week NJHS and National Honors Society Utah Youth Attorney Generals Youth Advisory CommitteeVisiting Local Schools to educate students on the importance of early literacy

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Sandy

Photo of Sophia Mun
Sophia Mun
From
Sandy

University Preference
Brown University

Career Goal
Dermatologist

Achievements:
Utah Sterling Scholar of Music Finalist 2023-2024Utah All State UMEA Concertmaster 2023-2024Utah All State UMEA Principal Second violins 2023-2024Winner, Code to Sucess American Express Scholarship State of Utah Office of the Lieutenant Governor Volunteer Recognition Award CertificateUnited States Senate Youth Program Semi FinalistNational Honors SocietyAP ScholarHonor Roll

Activites:
Student Body President 2023-2024Junior Class President 2022-2023Sophomore Class Vice President 2021-2022Chamber Orchestra President 2023-2024Utah All State Orchestra Concertmaster 2023-2024Concertmaster Utah Youth Orchestra and Ensembles 2020-2024Userve Utah Youth Council 2022-2024Canyons District Concertmaster Honors Orchestra 2022-2023Canyons District Student Advisory Council 2023-2024Key Club Senior Representative 2023-2024

Additional:
Founder Soaps, Suds, and Smiles fundraiser partnered with IRC (2022-present)Student government winter fundraisers (2021-present)Abbington Senior Living of Murray Volunteer and Music volunteer (2022-present)Violinist Volunteer at Canyons Church (2019-present)Userve Youth Council (2022-present)

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of East Salt Lake City

Photo of Sophie Hansen
Sophie Hansen
From
Salt Lake City

University Preference
Pepperdine University

Career Goal
Business

Achievements:
National Honor Society Nationally Aired News Story on CBS Network NewsBallerina in DisneylandPolicy and Period Project Ambassador Still Photography: State Fair and Reflections Recognition President of Studio Dance CompanyHigh Honor Roll (2002-present)Stake Youth Leadership Council Cheerleading Co-Captain

Activites:
Outdoor Fitness & Adventure SeekerSmall Business OwnerVarsity Golf TeamBallet: Private Instruction, Teacher Assistant, Advanced Ballet CompanyVideo StorytellingBlack Diamond Skiing at AltaSeminary Council, Unity and Social Media TeamsCheerleadingEvent Planning and Gathering

Additional:
Founder/Director, Project: SHINE! Teen Service Group, Salt Lake and Skid Row Los Angeles (2022-present)Joanie Daily Service Learning Scholars Program and Skyline Community of Caring (2020-present)Habitat for Humanity HXP Volcano Relief Building Trip (2022)Leadership Team, Quickwater Personal Development and Service Camp for Girls (2020-present)Hair Donation (2012, 2015, 2018)

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Highland

Photo of Livia Solomon
Livia Solomon
From
Highland

University Preference
UVU

Career Goal
Dental Hygienist

Achievements:
Student of the Week for being Tenacious Highlight Dance Academy Ten Year Award Peter Pan with COPA Theater Young Women's Medallion Fiddler On The Roof with COPA Theater Beauty And The Beast with COPA Theater Mary Poppins with COPA Theater

Activites:
Cross Country Team Lone Peak High SchoolTrack and Field Team Lone Peak High SchoolRise Up Choir 2018-2021Music Dance Theater at COPA 2017-2020Vocal Training 2019-PresentYoung Women Church Class President 2020-2021Roxberry Shift Lead 2020-Present

Additional:
Tabitha's WayDoll's Of Hope International Letters To MissionariesFive12 Foundation Tiny Tears

2024 Local Participants

Photo of Rachel Austin
Rachel Austin
CityLogan
University PreferenceBrigham Young University
Career GoalCounseling Psychologist
TalentPiano
Photo of Kaitlyn Bailey
Kaitlyn Bailey
CityHyde Park
University PreferenceSouthern Utah University
Career GoalTravel Wildlife Veterinarian
TalentInstrumental Violin
Photo of Kate Christensen
Kate Christensen
CitySpringville
University PreferenceBrigham Young University
Career GoalActress, Speech Pathologist
TalentVocal Selection
Photo of Abigail Evensen
Abigail Evensen
CityRichfield
University PreferenceSouthern Utah University
Career GoalRegistered Nurse
TalentVocal
Photo of Danielle Frost
Danielle Frost
CityVineyard
University PreferenceBrigham Young University, Utah Tech University
Career GoalPediatric Nurse
TalentClassical Piano Solo
Photo of Sophie Hansen
Sophie Hansen
CitySalt Lake City
University PreferencePepperdine University
Career GoalBusiness
TalentClassical Ballet En Pointe
Photo of Alanna Holzer
Alanna Holzer
CityBountiful
University PreferenceCalTech
Career GoalImmigration Law
TalentPiano
Photo of Charity Hung
Charity Hung
CityAmerican Fork
University PreferenceBYU
Career GoalSoftware Engineering
TalentPiano
Photo of Hope Hung
Hope Hung
CityAmerican Fork
University PreferenceBrigham Young University, University of Utah
Career GoalEngineering
TalentPiano
Photo of Ellyse Kessler
Ellyse Kessler
CityBountiful
University PreferenceUtah Tech University
Career GoalProsecuting Attorney
TalentClassical Viola Solo
Photo of Halle Mclelland
Halle Mclelland
CityNsl
University PreferenceUniversity of Utah
Career GoalPsychology
TalentJazz Dance
Photo of Sophia Mun
Sophia Mun
CitySandy
University PreferenceBrown University
Career GoalDermatologist
TalentViolin
Photo of Diya Oommen
Diya Oommen
CitySalt Lake City
University PreferenceHarvey Mudd
Career GoalDesign Engineer
TalentBharatanatyam
Photo of Annika Pitcher
Annika Pitcher
CityLindon
University PreferenceBrigham Young University
Career GoalPiano Teacher
TalentPiano
Photo of Emma Rampton
Emma Rampton
CityKaysville
University PreferenceUtah State University
Career GoalForeign Affairs Analyst/International Analyst
TalentComedic Monologue
Photo of Kyah Smith
Kyah Smith
CityOrem
University PreferenceUtah State University
Career GoalPhysical Therapist
TalentViolin
Photo of Livia Solomon
Livia Solomon
CityHighland
University PreferenceUVU
Career GoalDental Hygienist
TalentSinging/Belt
Photo of Kalina Tucker
Kalina Tucker
CityWashington
University PreferenceMIT, GCU, Naval Academy
Career GoalEntrepreneur, Astrobiologist
TalentVocal/Guitar
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