Hardyniec named the Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan 2016

By Carolyn Marnon – The 58th Annual Distinguished Young Women of Michigan Scholarship Program was held at Saline High School on January 23rd.  The Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan 2016 is Riana Hardyniec from Wayne.  Riana received $1,250.00 in cash scholarships and was named as a top Physical Fitness and Interview winner. She attends Wayne Memorial High School.
Riana will represent Michigan at the Distinguished Young Woman of America Scholarship Program in Mobile, Alabama.  A fully paid two week trip to Mobile, Alabama is provided by the Distinguished Young Women of America organization.  She is also eligible for many full ride scholarships at various colleges around the country through the national program along with additional scholarship money.  “This was an incredibly smart and talented group of young women and we are so excited to have two new Distinguished Young Woman of Michigan.  Both will be  excellent representatives at state wide functions throughout the year and also at the nationals in Mobile Alabama.” said State Director Angela Bobo.   The 2017 Distinguished Young Woman is Alexus Warchock from Napoleon.
Twenty contestants from around the State of Michigan competed and were awarded a total of $7,000.00 in college scholarships. Kelsie Wysong, also of Wayne, was Third Runner Up.
The Distinguished Young Women of Michigan Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to young women who have distinguished themselves at school and in their communities.
Contestants are high school juniors and seniors from around the State of Michigan who compete in areas of scholastics, physical fitness, performing arts talent, private interview and on stage question.
It is part of the Distinguished Young Women of America, which is the largest and oldest scholarship program for high school seniors in the country.
Since the scholarship program first began in 1958, over $90 million dollars in college scholarships have been awarded.
More information on this worthwhile scholarship program is available at www.distinguishedyw.org or email wayne-westland@distinguish-edyw.org.