Distinguished Young Women OF Massachusetts


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.


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Photo of Moira Larson
Moira Larson
Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2024
State Program Information

Class of 2025 Program

January 31 - February 2, 2025

Where:
Holyoke Community College

Tickets:
$20 for Finals on Sunday February 2, 2025

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.


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2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts

Photo of Moira Larson
Moira Larson
FromEasthampton
University PreferenceSacred Heart University
Career GoalNursing

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts

Photo of Moira Larson
Moira Larson
From
Easthampton

University Preference
Sacred Heart University

Career Goal
Nursing

Achievements:
The Claudette M.L Desrosiers AwardThe Maddie Schmidt Memorial AwardAP Scholar AwardTulane University Book AwardMassachusetts We the People State ChampionsEasthampton We the People Unit AwardWe the People National Competition, 13th PlaceAcademic Excellence Awards in Math, Science, English and Spanish.Common Wealth AwardJohn and Abigail Adams Scholarship

Activites:
Hackworth School of Performing Arts, Dancer, Dance Assistant, Teacher Student Council Historian National Honors Society Vice President Drama Club Dance Choreographer Faith Formation Student, Confirmand of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton ChurchWe the People Program Participant, MentorDistinguished Young Women Student RepresentativeTake Center Stage Dance Competition VIP Assistant Math Kangaroo Competition

Additional:
Magic for Maddie Volunteer and Sparkle CrewWe the People MentorCommittee Chair of Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Lemonade and Goodies Sale.Personal work with a younger dance student on technique and strengthening.Tour guide for incoming students to Easthampton High School.

2025 State Participants

Photo of Nirjara Akkole
Nirjara Akkole
CityWalpole
University Preference
Career Goal
Photo of Vanessa Finder
Vanessa Finder
CityFramingham
University Preference
Career GoalNeuroscience
TalentFigure Skating
Photo of Claire Fleming
Claire Fleming
CityBrookline
University PreferenceBrown University
Career GoalDoctor
TalentDance
Photo of Dea Kamberi
Dea Kamberi
CityWorcester
University PreferenceHarvard University, Columbia University
Career GoalLaw & Government
TalentPiano
Photo of Melissa  Moura
Melissa  Moura
CityMalden
University Preference
Career GoalNursing
TalentDance
Photo of Madeline Oravec
Madeline Oravec
CityHolyoke
University PreferenceSkidmore College, Sacred Heart University
Career GoalPhysical Therapist
TalentDance
Photo of Ava Piercy
Ava Piercy
CityFranklin
University PreferenceClemson University, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Tennessee
Career GoalPsychology, Psychiatry, Music
TalentClarinet Performance
Camilla Royal
CityWrentham
University Preference
Career Goal
Photo of Shirley Zhang
Shirley Zhang
CityEasthampton
University PreferenceBoston College
Career GoalAccountant/ Finance Manager
TalentBaton Twirling
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