Completing their goal of “Mission: Possible,” the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of St. Clair County named their 2013 winner.

Competing against one another, 10 high school girls were vying for the big prize—scholarship money.

Representing Crossroads Christian School, Moody, Pell City, Springville and St. Clair County High Schools, these young women fought for the title of DYW as they made their way through the fitness, talent and self expression segments of the competition.

A national scholarship program, DYW sets its goal to “inspire high school women to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments.”

Operating on the “Be Your Best Self” program, there are five elements DYW encourages its participants to have.

“Be healthy—physically fit and drug free. Be involved—serve your community. Be studious—stay in school. Be ambitious—set and achieve goals. Be responsible—live by moral and ethical principles.”

Formerly known as Junior Miss, the name was changed in 2010 to better reflect the mission and goals of the program.

Judged on five categories, interview is based on 25 percent, talent, 25 as well, scholastics, 20 percent, self-expression, 15 percent and fitness, 15 percent.

Audience participation was asked for by emcee and 2005 Junior Miss (now DYW) Kristin Soltis Currey, so the crowd erupted into cheers with clappers, horns and encouraging words like, “Good job girl!”

“The more encouragement from you, the more they feel relaxed,” said Currey. “Cheer really loud, they’ve worked hard.”

The Celebrity Waiter Dinner held in March enabled these young ladies to be awarded approximately $18,300 in scholarship money.

After the completion of the self-expression category, where the judges consider the contestants “elements of grace, poise under pressure, grooming, naturalness in posture and carriage and ability to communicate effectively during a 20-second response to an on-stage question,” the winners were announced.

* Spirit Award – voted on by the DYW girls and the winner of a $200 scholarship – Kaylyn Pate of Crossroads Christian School.

* Be Your Best Self Essay and the winner of a $200 scholarship – Jennifer Peoples of St. Clair County High School.

* Fitness – Kelsey Lovell from St. Clair County High School and Lacey Gossett from Springville High School, each received a $250 scholarship.

* Self-Expression – Kelsey Lovell and Lacey Gossett, both received a $250 scholarship.

* Scholastics – Kayla Pilkington of Moody High School and Kelsey Lovell, both received a $300 scholarship.

* Interview – Hannah Logan from Springville High School and Lacey Gossett, each were awarded $350 scholarships.

* Talent – Jennifer Peoples for her flute playing performance of a piece entitled Explosive and Lacey Gossett for her rendition of White Water Chopsticks. Both received $350 scholarships.

* 2nd Runner Up receiving an $800 scholarship – Jennifer Peoples

* 1st Runner Up receiving a $1,000 scholarship – Kelsey Lovell

* DYW 2013 – Lacey Gossett

Gossett received $3,100 in scholarship money along with full tuition plus fees for a two-year scholarship at Jefferson State Community College (Pell City campus), totaling $10,000.

Overall, Gossett received $14,300 in scholarship money.

All participants were awarded a free one-month member to the Leeds/Moody Curves, where Gossett received a six-month membership.

Rewarded with the DYW 2013 medallion by her best friend, Anna Marie Ronderos and outgoing DYW 2012, Gossett was excited.

“It’s been such an honor to be able to do this with her,” said Gossett.

Proud parents Tom and Debbie Gossett reflected on their daughter’s win.

“This is outstanding. She’s been working very hard,” Tom said.

While Debbie added, “We are so excited!”

Accomplishing its goal of “ all participants walking away with friendships, life skills and increased self-confidence,” these distinguished young women of St. Clair County look forward to furthering their education as they ready themselves for a successful future.

To volunteers or get involved with DYW email stclair@distinguishedyw.org.