Sacred Heart Academy senior to compete in national finals for Distinguished Young Woman

A high school senior at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart who was named the Distinguished Young Woman of New York for 2024 in December will compete in the 67th National Finals for Distinguished Young Woman on June 27, 28 and 29 in Mobile, Ala.

Ekene Ezenwa of Clarence Center will join 49 other Distinguished Young Women representatives from across the country to participate in personal development activities and community service projects prior to competing for the national title, according to organizers of the event. Ekene, who was awarded a $500 cash scholarship in the statewide competition, will compete with the others for additional scholarships in the national competition.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is the largest scholarship program for young women, providing more than $1 billion in awards. Ekene, the daughter of Cletus and Chinyere Ezenwa, was one of two high school senior girls from New York who competed in the state contest. They were evaluated based on their performance in scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.

As Distinguished Young Woman of New York, Ekene has been representing the state at various public events and serving as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message: “Be Your Best Self.”