Columbiana High Grad in Distinguished Young Women Finals

COLUMBIANA, Ohio – Delaney Finsley of Columbiana will travel to Mobile, Alabama, to participate in the Distinguished Young Women National Finals on June 22-24 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater.

Finsley is one of 50 representatives competing for $155,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2023.

After her selection as the Distinguished Young Woman of Ohio, Finsley began preparing for the National Finals competition, which will include five categories of evaluation: scholastics, interview, fitness, talent and self-expression.

During her two weeks in Mobile, Finsley will participate in team building activities, complete community service projects, interact with the Gulf Coast community through various events and engage in many hours of rehearsal in preparation for the three-night scholarship competition.

“We are excited to welcome the 50 outstanding state representatives to Mobile for the 66th annual National Finals of Distinguished Young Women,” said Carole Hegwood, executive director of Distinguished Young Women. “These young women are accomplished, talented, intelligent and have exciting futures ahead of them.”

If selected as the program’s overall winner, Finsley will spend the next year representing Distinguished Young Women across the country through various appearances and promoting the program’s national outreach initiative of Be Your Best Self. The outreach program is designed to combat major issues facing children today and encourage young people to take an active interest in their communities through service. 

Finsley is a 2023 graduate of Columbiana High School and the daughter of Heather and Martin Finsley.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full potential. Its mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence and participating in Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.