Distinguished Young Women OF Maryland


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 Lily Peng
Lily Peng
Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2024
State Program Information

Now accepting Applications: Class of 2025 Program

Deadline to Apply is January 1 of your junior year

Program to be held at:
Frederick Community College-JBK Theater
7932 Opossumtown Pike
Frederick, MD 21702

The program is always held the last week in July

Tickets:
$10 Adults
*$5 K-12 grade

*Free to any K-12 who bring a donation of unopened Pet Food or feminine Hygiene products for our local shelters

Click to view Class of 2024 Virtual Program Book

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.


Apply Now

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland

Photo of Lily Peng
Lily Peng
FromColumbia
University PreferenceHarvard
Career GoalInternational Law

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland

Photo of Lily Peng
Lily Peng
From
Columbia

University Preference
Harvard

Career Goal
International Law

Achievements:
Coke ScholarWorld Champion, Internatl Pub Pol Forum Debate CompNationally Ranked #1 DebaterUSA Debate Team Finalist MD Young Women Leaders Award2nd-Internatl FL Keys Music CompMD Gen Assemby Citations of RecognitionPresidential Vol Svc Award, Gold & SilverNational Carson ScholarHoward Co Human Rights Commission’s Student Award

Activites:
Debate CaptainMock Trial Captain, Lawyer Director, Head Lawyer; State Co-ChampionJudicial Intern at Howard Co Circuit CourtAAPI Youth Ambassadors ProgSpeaker for MD Business Roundtable for EducPublished in the American School Board JournalMD Youth Speakers Toastmasters Public Speaking Club, VFuture Business Leaders of America Nationals: 2nd-Client ServiceHoward Co Youth Orchestra ViolistDancer, rhythmic gymnast, ,Varsity POMs team

Additional:
Co-founder of Project Lotus, Asian American youth advocacy orgCorresp Secretary, Student Commissioner, Howard Coy AAPI CommissionPresident, HoCo Chinese Sch SGAGen-Z Career Path Seminars Co-FounderLaw Days of Summer Prog, Student Ambassador

2025 State Participants

Photo of Adebola Adenle
Adebola Adenle
CityLutherville
University PreferenceCarnegie Mellon University
Career GoalBiomedical Science Researcher
TalentGymnastics Routine
Photo of Alaina Bowie
Alaina Bowie
CityFrederick
University PreferenceUniversity of Maryland, Hood College, University of Alabama
Career GoalSports Management, Physical Therapist, Education
TalentPiano
Photo of Nyla Brewster
Nyla Brewster
CityBensville
University PreferenceVanderbilt University, Duke University, University of Richmond, University of San Diego, and the University of Maryland.
Career GoalTo Build A Successful Career In Law, And Maintain Leadership And Community Involvement. Aspiring To Make Meaningful Contributions In Legal Practice By Advocating For Justice And Equity, While Simultaneously Also Improving My Knowledge And Skills Through Advanced Educational And Professional Opportunities.
TalentViolin
Photo of Kennedy Gainey
Kennedy Gainey
CityWaldorf
University PreferenceCoastal Carolina University
Career GoalIs To Become A On Camera Actress.
TalentSinging
Photo of Sanya Gupta
Sanya Gupta
CityEllicott City
University PreferenceCarnegie Mellon University; University of Maryland College Park
Career GoalComputer Science/Mathematics
TalentBollywood Dance
Photo of Michelle Isaacura Yepez
Michelle Isaacura Yepez
CityBrunswick
University PreferenceLiberty University
Career GoalBusiness, Entrepreneurship, Marketing.
TalentMartial Arts: Tang Soo Do Form
Photo of Megan Iwanowski
Megan Iwanowski
CityBel Air
University PreferenceA mid-sized college with that is heavy in math and has a solid dance program
Career Goal Sociologist Or Statistician
TalentTap Dance
Photo of Rebecca  Luutu
Rebecca  Luutu
CityWaldorf
University PreferenceColumbia University, Chicago University, and Duke University
Career GoalMy Career Goals Are To Get A Job In The Medical Field And Start My Own Practice So I Can Have Control Over My Work Life And How I Choose To Care For Others.
TalentPiano
Photo of Addison Morazes
Addison Morazes
CityCalifornia
University PreferenceHood College
Career GoalElementary School Teacher
TalentSilk And Rifle Spinning
Photo of Arya  Paghdal
Arya  Paghdal
CityNew Market
University PreferenceUniversity of Southern California
Career GoalCardiologist
TalentDance
Photo of Kareena Potluri
Kareena Potluri
CityFrederick
University PreferenceBrown University
Career GoalEmergency Medicine Physician
TalentMusical Performance
Photo of Emily Spurrier
Emily Spurrier
CityFrederick
University PreferenceClemson or High Point
Career GoalElementary Education
TalentTap Dance
Photo of Lanetta Wesley
Lanetta Wesley
CityBaltimore
University PreferenceDelaware State University
Career GoalLawyer In Criminal Justice
TalentSinging
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