Portage High School’s Distinguished Young Woman program, otherwise known as DYW, is set to host its annual competition early in May. This event features a variety of talented young women who each bring something unique to the table. These girls display the characteristics that fall into 5 pillar categories, which provide a foundation for the program. These pillars include being healthy, being ambitious, being involved, being responsible, and being studious.
There are 14 talented young women competing this year, all of whom have different talents, backgrounds, and perspectives on the world. This diverse crowd of people highlights the diversity of Portage High School.
Meet just a few of the young women competing to be this year’s Portage High School Distinguished Young Woman.
Name: Hannah Niebel
What is one characteristic you feel the Distinguished Young Woman should have? Why?
Authenticity. A Distinguished Young Woman should be someone who is true to herself and uses her unique strengths to inspire others. Authenticity builds trust, encourages inclusivity, and allows real leadership to shine through.
What advice would you give to current sophomores who are on the fence about competing next year?
Take the leap! DYW is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to grow in confidence, build lasting friendships, and learn valuable life skills. You’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of and walk away with an experience that’s incredibly rewarding.
What characteristics do you have that would make you the perfect fit for the next Distinguished Young Woman?
I’m driven, compassionate, and always looking for ways to grow and help others grow with me. I value leadership through service and kindness, and I hold myself to high standards in both academics and character. I believe those qualities align perfectly with what DYW represents.
Name: Zoey Garner
What is one skill you have learned from this program that you will continue to use after high school?
A skill that I’ve learned while being in DYW that I will use after highschool is not to judge someone just because they don’t know how to do something. Part of that skill is to be confident in what skills you have and what you do.
What has been your favorite DYW memory so far?
A favorite DYW memory I have is being able to meet new girls and bonding with everyone and learn new dance Shills.
What is one characteristic that you feel the next distinguished young woman should have?
A characteristic I believe a distinguished young woman should have is respect because everyone should be respected no matter the situation because women are supposed to be calm, caring, and should always be respectful.
Name: Alyssa Taing
What is one characteristic you feel the Distinguished Young woman should have? Why?
A characteristic I feel the Distinguished Young Woman should have is the ability to have integrity. The power to be honest, have strong morals, and uprightness. Being the Distinguished Young Woman carries the weight of being able to express yourself confidently, honestly, and courageously.
What is one skill you have learned from the program that you will continue to use after high school?
A skill that I have learned from this program is being able to express myself comfortably. I will no longer be afraid to share the things I love and stop doing the things that bring me joy.
What advice would you give to current sophomores who are on the fence about competing next year?
Join Join Join! It is such an amazing opportunity, not only for you to be the next DYW, but to make bonds you never thought you would make with others. DYW has brought me to realize that I have girls by my side and can express my talent comfortably!
Name: Paris Moore
What is one skill you have learned from the program that you will continue to use after high school?
The feeling of not being shy around people anymore DYW has taught me to be myself and have the courage to try new things.
Out of the 5 DYW pillars, which category are you most confident in and what specific traits make you feel that way?
I am most confident with the workout session because the workout is a combination of both dance and work out especially since I can dance already.
What is one characteristic you feel the Distinguished Young woman should have? Why?
I feel like that the Distinguished Young Woman should always stand tall and she should be confident in herself.