Mobile, Ala. – Sierra Knight of Seguin, Texas, will travel to Mobile, Ala., on Monday, June 18, to participate in the 61st Distinguished Young Women National Finals on June 28, 29 and 30 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Knight is one of 50 representatives competing for thousands of dollars in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2018.

Following her selection as the Distinguished Young Woman of Texas for 2018, Knight began preparations for the National Finals competition, which will include five categories of evaluation: scholastics, interview, fitness, talent and self-expression. During her two weeks in Mobile, Knight will participate in team building activities, complete community service projects, interact with the Gulf Coast community through various events and engage in many hours of rehearsal in preparation for the three-night scholarship competition.

 “We are excited to host these incredible young women who are true leaders in the areas of scholarship, leadership and talent,” said Kendra Haskins, Executive Director for Distinguished Young Women. “We know the future is in good hands with these dedicated young ladies.”

If selected as the program’s overall winner, Knight will spend the next year representing Distinguished Young Women across the country through various appearances and promoting the program’s national outreach initiative of Be Your Best Self. The outreach program is designed to combat major issues facing children today including childhood obesity and high school drop out rates, as well as encourage young people to take an active interest in their communities through service. The outreach program consists of five elements –  Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious and Be Responsible.

Knight is a 2018 graduate of Marion High School and the daughter of Michele Knight and Brennon Knight.

 About Distinguished Young Women

Begun in 1958, Distinguished Young Women has impacted the lives of more than 765,000 young women. Our mission is to empower high school young women by providing scholarship opportunities, developing self-confidence and teaching crucial life skills needed for success in college and beyond. National sponsors include Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Encore Rehabilitation, Wintzell's Oyster House, Master Boat Builders, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Evonik, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Jessica Sawyer, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Jessica@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.