Kayte Brock
Brock said she was honored to speak to the club and thanked them for their mission of serving children around the world because that kind of service is what she wants to pursue as a career.
The Distinguished Young Woman Program is a scholarship program. Brock decided to participate because she knew she needed money for college.
“I feel so blessed to be in this position,” Brock said of her title and the opportunities it has given her.
Before competing at the state level, Brock was named Tullahoma’s Junior Miss (the Distinguished Young Woman program was formerly the Junior Miss competition).
“I’m fortunate enough to have a very strong local program,” Brock said.
The scholarship competition consists of five categories: scholarship, self-expression, interview, physical fitness and talent. Brock said the talent category was her favorite “because I have been performing my entire life and performing is truly one of my passions.”
Brock sang “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked” for the talent portion of the state competition.
“I’m very thankful to all the families and all the people in the community who reached out and supported us,” Brock said, commenting that she was amazed by the support the contestants received.
Many of the girls who competed in the state competition have kept in touch with Brock through Facebook and cell phones.
Brock said this program is the “opportunity of a lifetime” not just for the scholarship money, but other possibilities.
“Distinguished Young Woman provides opportunities for leadership, self-confidence and lifelong relationships,” Brock said.
She feels the program has helped her develop the self-confidence to achieve her dreams.
“The program encourages young women to strive to attain their goals and it prepares them for college and the years beyond,” Brock said.
Aside from being the overall winner, Brock was also named the winner of the talent and interview categories and preliminary self-expression winner.
Brock plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville or Auburn University studying international studies, and one day receive her law degree. She hopes to one day work for the United Nations.
Brock will compete at the national level for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America in June 2011.
