Statewide Scholarship Program Awarded More Than $4,000 In Cash Scholarships

Biancarelli was one of seven high school senior girls from Montana who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Montana for 2012. Other award recipients included: Abretia Crandell of Kalispell (1^st Runner-up); Elisabeth McLellan of Kalispell (Talent Award); and Amy Heldt of Helena (Scholastics Award). Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (20%), Interview (25%), Fitness (15%), Self-Expression (15%) and Talent (25%).

“Dea has so much energy and will be a great representative for this program and this state,” said Amanda Wineman, outgoing Distinguished Young Woman of Montana.

Throughout the next year, Biancarelli will represent Montana at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.”

Biancarelli is the daughter of George and MaryAnn Biancarelli and is a senior at Shelby High School. Biancarelli’s achievements include: Nominated Student Body President; Girl's Nation Montana Senator to Washington D.C.; Class of 2012 President; Student Council Representative; UCA All American Cheerleader Award; Academic All-State for Cheerleading; Honor Roll; Gold Medals at F.C.C.L.A. State; UCA Awards-Team Motivation, Best Jumps, Stunting; Millionaire's Reading Club. In addition, Biancarelli’s activities include: Varsity Cheerleading (captain); F.C.C.L.A (District officer, secretary); Big Sis Lil Sis Mentoring Program (founder); Principal's Cup; Montana Girls State Delegate; National Honor Society; Car Hop/Waitressing; reACT; Key Club; Guitar & Piano lessons.

The 55th National Finals will take place on June 28, 29, and 30, 2012, in Mobile, Alabama. Biancarelli will travel to Mobile, Alabama along with 49 other state representatives to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012 and for a share of more than $140,000 in cash scholarships. Tennessee’s Katye Brock, who will attend the University of Tennessee-Knoxville this fall, won the 2011 overall award.

For more information on Distinguished Young Women of Montana, please contact Wanda Rude at 406-873-4238 Montana@DistinguishedYW.org.

Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Alabama, Distinguished Young Women, is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. During its 54 years of operation, the program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women. Last year Distinguished Young Women provided more than $108 million in cash and college scholarship opportunities to program participants at the local, state and national levels. 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 the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Eastern Shore Toyota, Encore Rehabilitation, Mobile Gas: A Sempra Company, Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Bank and Master Boat Builders.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Stephanie Bradford, National Headquarters Communications Director (251-622-5335, Stephanie@DistinguishedYW.org) or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.