For over 30 years Portage High School has been crowning one student as PHS’ Most Distinguished Woman, and for 2015 it was no different. On Saturday night over 40 girls participated in the program with their hopes of becoming this year’s winner of the DYW title, but only one could take the winning spot at the top of the steps - and this year it was Claire Hagan.
“I am completely overwhelmed - I kind of can’t stop crying right now.” Hagan exclaimed. “This has been such a great experience and I didn’t even think I’d make it past the first round! I’m in shock.”
Click here to see more photos from the 2015 PHS Distinguished Young Woman.
Well before Hagan knew she had won, or even made it to the top 10, there were 43 girls who were selected to be a part of the 2016 class of participants. All of the girls worked hard during the long practices and the multiple day event. Each one of them were a part of a two day process prior to the Saturday night show, and were judged in interviews and scholastic achievements. There were also many scholarships given out the night before - and over 20 were given out in total during the program. From then they practiced their talents, learned choreography for their dance numbers and prepared for a fitness, personal expression, and another talent test if they made it to the top ten.
By Saturday night the girls were ready to give it their best, but also gained new friends and confidence along the way.
Carrie Martin, the program’s host and chairperson, said that Distinguished Young Woman supplies the girls not only with positive experience of being a part of the show, but also instills a further sense of courage.
“This is one of the largest classes I’ve seen, and they all bring such variety to the table.” Martin stated. “I think it’s a great for these girls because it gives them scholarship opportunities but it also gives them a chance to build self confidence, give them a chance to build up their interview skills, and this lets them get out of their comfort zone.”
The girls showed off their newly acquired skills with an opening number and introduction, but it was down to the top ten to be in the spotlight. After the top ten was announced, those selected young women gave their it their best in each individual section. One by one they acted out monologues, danced, sang, and dribbled some basketballs - to much amazement of the audience and the judges. Portage High School Principal Jennifer Sass was sitting front row for the program, and was in amazement of all of the girls’ capabilities.
“I’m always amazed by all of the talent that these girls have.” Sass stated. “It’s one of the best nights of the year. Both [Portage High School’s Outstanding Young Man and Distinguished Young Woman programs] really lets these kids show everyone how much talent resides within this school. They really make me say ‘Wow! Where’s my talent?’”
In the end - after a talent portion, some hefty exercise routines, and performances by past Distinguished Young Women winners - the DYW medal could only be given out to one person. Hagan, who did break down in tears, said in the end the experience of being in the program was something she never expected to love - but came out of it with a new sense of respect for everyone who did the program together with her.
“I didn’t really think much would come out of this but I was completely wrong.” Hagan stated. “I loved working with all of these girls, loved getting closer to all of the ones I already knew and some I had never had the chance to talk to before. I’m so proud of all of these girls because not all of them are used to being on stage or in the spotlight and they did amazing. It’s been an incredible to be a part of this.”
Next year Claire Hagan will have the ability to put the winning medal over another students head, but in that moment she had tears to wipe away, hugs to welcome, and undying congratulations being given out to her on and off the stage. Every single girl in 2016’s Distinguished Young Woman event received the same congratulations and praises from their families and friends, and they rightfully deserved them. It’s up to next year’s class to be this great, but it’s without a doubt that they will be a part of the same great program that those girls were in on that Saturday night.