Ridgefield High School senior represents Connecticut as a Distinguished Young Woman

Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards academic excellence, leadership and talent in young women across the United States.

Last Sunday, DYW state officials chose Kendell Carlson, a senior at Ridgefield High School, to represent Connecticut at the national program held in Mobile, Alabama in June.

All contestants are judged on academic achievement, personal interview, fitness, talent, and self expression. “All it took was 20 seconds of insane courage,” says Kendell. “20 seconds to say, ‘Yes, I want to do this’, even though I had no idea what to expect. And honestly, I’m so glad I did. It was a great experience, one I would recommend to any girl.”

The program begin in 1958 as Junior Miss America and helped fund the college education of prominent female leaders such as Diane Sawyer, Amy Goodman and Julie Moran.

Fairfield County Bank is a proud supporter of DYW Connecticut. Thru their generosity Kendell brought home scholarship money as the state title winner and the scholastic award winner.