The Lafayette County Distinguished Young Women program has continued to grow this year among local high school juniors. Participants are gaining more than just scholarship opportunities; they are gaining life skills that will last far beyond high school.
Suzanne Helveston is the local director of the DYW program. She helps women step outside of their comfort zones each year.
“The mission of the Distinguished Young Women organization is to empower young women to develop their full, individual potential by providing scholarships, personal development opportunities and a positive peer network,” Helveston said. “What sets DYW apart is its unique blend of scholarship opportunities and life skills training.”
As the oldest national scholarship program for high school girls, Distinguished Young Women operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Each year, state representatives advance to the National Finals in Mobile, Alabama. This year’s local winner, Serah Oommen, was both surprised and honored when she won.
“To me, being named Distinguished Young Woman means I am a representative of my community,” Oommen said. “It’s both a responsibility and a prize.”
One of the most challenging parts of the competition for her was the talent portion. She had to relearn a piece she originally memorized in seventh grade.
“I realized that I love performing and I should really do it more,” Oommen said.
Serah’s involvement in debate and cross country helped shape her confidence. Through debate she learned to speak clearly and cross country she learned to persevere.
“They have taught me how to speak eloquently in public settings,” Oomen said. “It also gave me the endurance to confront any challenge in my path.”
For Mississippi’s current Distinguished Young Woman Lainey Schuesselin, the impact of the program has extended far beyond the competition itself. After winning at the local and state levels, Lainey said the experience transformed her confidence.
“I now know that if I go into an interview setting,” Schuesselin said. “I can feel confident and know that I will present myself in the best way that I can.”
One of her most memorable moments was being named Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi, surrounded by fellow participants celebrating her achievement.
“When all of them rushed to me on the stage and were sincerely happy for me, I was absolutely overcome with tears of joy,” Schuesselin said. “This is a sisterhood.”
She encourages future participants to focus less on the competition and more on growth. The lessons learned and confidence gained will last longer.
“Be your true self and soak up all of the moments,” Schuesselin said. “Don’t think of it as a competition. Focus on forming new relationships because your title isn’t held forever, but those friendships will be.”
With dedicated leadership, community support, and passionate participants, the Distinguished Young Women program continues to inspire confidence, leadership, and lifelong connections among young women in Lafayette County.
“DYW continues to support participants by equipping them with lasting life skills and a strong foundation for future success,” Helveston said. “Through the BYBS platform and personal development training, participants leave the program with increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a clearer sense of purpose.”
