Otto teenager earns top 10 finish at Distinguished Young Women national competition

WORLAND - After two weeks of community engagement, rehearsals and competition, Zariah Tolman, Distinguished Young Woman of Wyoming, placed in the top 10 at the national scholarship competition in Mobile, Ala.

The Otto teen advanced to the finals Saturday after shining on stage with a clogging routine, and impressing judges with her well-spoken and poised demeanor. The 51 young women who competed this past weekend were evaluated by a panel of five judges in the following categories, which are the same at every level of competition: scholastics (25 percent), interview (25 percent), talent (20 percent), fitness (15 percent), and self-expression (15 percent).

Tolman was named Distinguished Young Woman of Wyoming in October 2015 in Laramie, winning a total of $2,900 in scholarships at the state level.

As a top 10 finalist, she earned an additional $2,500 at the national competition. She plans to use that scholarship money to attend Montana State University where she will major in cell biology and neuroscience, and compete for the university's track team.

This is the first time a Wyoming representative has been named a top 10 finalist at the national level in three decades. Shellie (Parrott) Miller '86 was the last Wyoming representative to go on to the top 10.

State Chairman Maryalice Gulino marked this as an exciting time for the Distinguished Young Women program. "Zariah's placement at nationals not only is a testament to the incredible young woman Zariah is and a celebration of the successful life she's led to this point, but it also brings national awareness to the accomplishments of young women in this state as a whole," said Gulino.

Distinguished Young Women background

Distinguished Young Women Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Ala., Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. During its 58 years of operation, the program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 740,000 young women. Last year, Distinguished Young Women provided more than $820 million in cash and college scholarship opportunities to program participants at the local, state and national level. 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 Mobile County, City of Mobile, Wintzell's Oyster House, The Hearin-Chandler Foundation, Encore Rehabilitation, Alabama Power Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Regions Financial Corporation, and Alabama Media Group.