The Distinguished Young Women (DYW) Competition is an integral part of the high school experience for many young women. The competition provides these students another opportunity to make lasting memories and friendships as they move into adulthood.
Ashlyn Gentry, a junior at Portage High School (PHS), was afforded the opportunity to participate in the school’s DYW competition. In addition to competing for the coveted title of Distinguished Young Woman, the competition also featured scholastic, fitness, self-expression, interview, and talent preliminary awards. Thanks to her strong performance in each of these areas, Gentry won the title of Distinguished Young Woman at this year’s competition and also earned the scholastic award.
Gentry isn’t the first young lady in her family to participate in this event. Her mother competed in the DYW’s predecessor, Junior Miss, while she was in high school. Gentry wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps when she was afforded the opportunity.
“I had known going into high school this was something I wanted to compete in,” Gentry said. “Actually, two of my best friends were upperclassmen, and they both won the title in their respective years. I saw how much they enjoyed the program, and I saw the scholarship benefits.”
Gentry got to know her fellow DYW entrants well. The students had hour-long practices three times a week. As a result of the DYW experience, she wound up with 14 new best friends.
“I think female friendships are really important,” Gentry said, “I thought that was a good way for me to make some new friends who I maybe didn't have classes with or didn't do other extracurriculars with.”
Gentry comes from a large, close-knit family. She has two older brothers who are in their 30s and a younger brother who is nine years old. Gentry is particularly close with her cousins. Because of the number of educators in her family, many are known around the area.
“Sometimes it feels like everyone knows everyone,” Gentry said. “It's really nice because I feel like I meet people everywhere who have met a cousin of mine; there are already so many relations.”
One of the cousins with whom Gentry is close is Hannah Niebel, a fellow competitor in the DYW this year. The two girls are closer to being sisters than they are to being cousins. They also understood they each had their own strengths that they brought to the table at the competition.
In addition to participating in DYW, Gentry is also involved with the Choraliers, choir, varsity dance, varsity tennis, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, and student council at PHS. She plans on studying either biology or chemistry and psychology in college. Her family attends St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church in Crown Point.
What stuck with Gentry the most about DYW? Participating in the competition allowed her to learn a variety of new skills, but the one that stood out the most was the ability to have confidence and let her personality shine.
“I think my biggest takeaway was to never underestimate myself,” Gentry said. “I didn't go in believing I would win. I knew I would get some money – because a lot of girls do, and I have very good grades – but winning it wasn't on my radar. I really told myself, ‘Just got to do your best. You never know what could happen.’”
Gentry looks forward to taking this mindset with her as she travels to Kokomo, Ind., for the state-level Distinguished Young Women competition next February.