The Distinguished Young Women of Cleveland 2012 was a dazzling event of grace and charm, described as a wonderful evening of entertainment and excitement. The event itself became an official winner for its ability to produce a delightful evening with numerous highlights by many gifted performers.
The scholarship program held at First Baptist Church showcased the talents and accomplishments of exceptional young ladies from three local high schools. At the culmination of Saturday’s gala event, Ariana Sabre Kim was named Distinguished Young Woman of Cleveland 2012. Kim also received the overall scholastic award and honorable mention in the talent category.
Izabella Tolentino White was named first runner-up and received honorable mention in interview, Spirit of Distinguished Young Women (voted on by the contestants), and was one of two winners of Photographer’s Choice sponsored by Studio D. Jami Erin Gibson was named second runner-up and also received honorable mention in the self expression category.
Kim will go on to compete in Tennessee’s Distinguished Young Women 2012 Program to be held at the Lee University Dixon Center in July.
Other program awards went to Summer Lynn Collins, overall talent and honorable mention fitness; Abigail Elena Boltniew, overall interview and honorable mention scholastic; Aimee Marie Murray, overall fitness; Hannah Marie Kalb, overall self-expression; Haley Bishop, creative writing award; Amanda Kate Bryan, community service award; and Kaylie Brooke McIllwain, Photographer’s Choice.
Program Chairman Glenda Free said the Distinguished Young Women of Cleveland 2012 was a “wonderful way to showcase the many talented and promising young women of our community.”
“I want to thank parents of the contestants for supporting and encouraging their daughters and giving them the opportunity to participate in the program. We were blessed to have 19 poised and wonderfully diverse young ladies in this year’s program and we look forward to planning for next year,” Free said.
Local radio personality Bridget Baggett Forrester served as the emcee and was assisted by David Goodwill during the evening. Additional entertainment was provided by Devon Vaughn, Cleveland’s Junior Miss 2011; Katye Brock, Tennessee’s Distinguished Young Woman 2011; Whitney Caylor and the always-favorite escorts who performed twice during the program.
The recent name change from Cleveland’s Junior Miss to Distinguished Young Women helped to clarify that the scholarship program focuses on scholastics, interview skills, leadership, fitness and talent. It also provides nearly $5,000 in scholarships to local winners.
The Distinguished Young Women of Cleveland Program Committee thanked the many individuals and businesses who helped support this year’s program with scholarship money, time, services, and other financial support.
Scholarships for the program were provided by Dr. John and Sheryl Jaggers, Don Ledford Auto Park (Athens), Crump, Richardson, and Young PLLC, Winn Smiles, Dr. Brian and Kim Mitchell, Kevin and Kim Brooks, Kay Free and Chris Free, and Tennessee Valley Urology. An escort scholarship was awarded to Austin Melton, a student at Walker Valley High School.
Studio D provided the photography services and Perry’s Petals served as the official florist. A special thanks went to First Baptist Church of Cleveland for allowing the event to use its wonderful facility and for the staff and tech crew who helped create a memorable evening for all involved.
In addition to the $2,000 scholarship to the college of her choice and the Distinguished Young Women medallion, Kim received a complimentary Zoom Whitening from Winn Smiles and a flower bouquet from Perry’s Petals.
