Mobile,Ala. – This week marks the start of competition for Riley Rohrbach, the Texico, N.M. teen competing in the 64th DistinguishedYoungWomen National Finals. The national scholarship program has transitioned to a virtual format this year due to COVID-19 safety protocols. Rohrbach, along with 49 other state representatives, will be recognized during the three showcases for their completion of a series of video submissions and video conference calls.
The program’s evaluation process includes scholastics, interview, fitness, talent and public speaking.This year, participants submitted videos for the talent and fitness categories. Rohrbach participated in public speaking via recorded video conference call. She also completed an individual interview with a panel of five judges over video conference and her scholastic performance has been scored through an evaluation of her high school academic record and standardized test scores.
The program will be broadcast for free on June 24, 25, and 26 on DYWNationalFinals.com in place of the in-person showcases.
The video submissions will be compiled, and the three-night event is to be hosted by DistinguishedYoungWoman of America for 2020 Elif Ozyurekoglu. Each night scholarships will be awarded and on Saturday, June 26, eight finalists will be selected from the group of 50 young women. One of these eight will be selected to represent the program as the Distinguished YoungWoman of America for 2021. In total, $130,000 in college scholarships will be awarded to the Class of 2021. The final showcase on June 26 will be broadcast live from the Mobile Civic Center where Ozyurekoglu will be joined by program alumna and television personality Amy Goodman to host a viewing party and announce the DistinguishedYoungWoman of America for 2021.
“These young women are intelligent, ambitious and ready to take their place as leaders in their communities,” said Kendra Haskins, Executive Director of Distinguished YoungWomen.“We are excited to highlight DistinguishedYoungWomen throughout national finals by showcasing these participants and celebrating the thousands of others who have been impacted by this incredible program throughout the year.”
For her talent presentation, Rohrbach will be performing a trampoline gymnastics routine. Rohrbach is a 2021 graduate of Texico High School and the daughter of Darcy and Craig Rohrbach.
About DistinguishedYoungWomen
Founded in 1958, DistinguishedYoungWomen is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, developing their self-confidence and participating in our Life SkillsWorkshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile,Alabama Power Foundation, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management,Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
For more information about DistinguishedYoungWomen, contact Tara Principe, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Tara@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.