Distinguished Young Women OF Illinois


is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholastics, leadership and talent in young women. Earn scholarships for higher education, personally develop through the DYW Life Skills Workshops, and make new friends from around the state.


Learn more

Photo of Juliana Cogswell
Juliana Cogswell
Distinguished Young Woman of Illinois for 2023
State Program Information

Class of 2024 Program

Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Carl Sandburg High School Performing Arts Center

Tickets:
https://dyw-illinois.square.site/

Life-Changing Experience

College scholarships are awarded at the state level and millions in college-granted scholarships are available nationally. The state representative will advance to the national program for the opportunity to compete for cash tuition scholarships. To participate, you must be in your junior of high school. Participants are evaluated in the areas of: scholastics, interview, talent, self-expression, and fitness.


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2023 Distinguished Young Woman of Illinois

Photo of Juliana Cogswell
Juliana Cogswell
FromTinley Park
University PreferenceBoston College
Career GoalNurse and Advocate

2023 Distinguished Young Woman of Illinois

Photo of Juliana Cogswell
Juliana Cogswell
From
Tinley Park

University Preference
Boston College

Career Goal
Nurse and Advocate

Achievements:
2021, 2022, 2023 All-Conference Competitive DancerAP Scholar with DistinctionHigh Honor Roll RecipientIllinois Seal of Biliteracy Recipient for SpanishIllinois State ScholarMath Honor Society MemberNational Honor Society MemberScience Honor Society MemberSocial Science Honor Society MemberSpanish Honor Society Member

Activites:
BabysitterCompetitive dancer with studioFounder and author of blog discussing the politics of American healthHigh School Varsity Poms/Dance CaptainTutor Liaison for in-school Spanish tutoring sessions

Additional:
Activities leader for local community theatreChoreographer for musicals at Hilda Walker Intermediate SchoolLeader of high school dance team tryoutsWorker for high school athletic boosters food booth

2024 State Participants

Photo of Haley Carlton
Haley Carlton
CityGeorgetown
University PreferencePurdue
Career GoalConservation Officer/Marine Reserves
TalentPublic Speaking
Photo of Kayden Christ
Kayden Christ
CityWoodridge
University Preference
Career Goal
TalentHip Hop Dance
Photo of Anne Crum
Anne Crum
CityGlen Ellyn
University PreferenceUniversity of Michigan
Career GoalProfessional Dancer/Lawyer
TalentDance / Tap
Photo of Ava Doerscheln
Ava Doerscheln
CityChicago
University PreferenceClemson
Career GoalMedicine
TalentContemporary Dance
Photo of Maya Homberg
Maya Homberg
CityDowners Grove
University PreferenceUniversity of Notre Dame
Career GoalLawyer
TalentPublic Speaking
Photo of Nicole Hussey
Nicole Hussey
CityFrankfort
University PreferenceUniversity of Missouri
Career GoalPsychologist
TalentSinging
Photo of Medha Mamidipaka
Medha Mamidipaka
CityBuffalo Grove
University PreferenceCarnegie Melon
Career GoalComputer Science
TalentDance
Photo of Tsegereda Melkie
Tsegereda Melkie
CityBolingbrook
University PreferenceUniversity of Washington (Seattle)
Career GoalBiotechnology And Pediatrics
TalentA Poem.
Photo of Meghan Retzler
Meghan Retzler
CityAlgonquin
University PreferenceUniversity of South Carolina
Career GoalElementary Education
TalentVolleyball Setting
Photo of Zhouqi (Anna) Shao
Zhouqi (Anna) Shao
CityChicago
University PreferenceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Career GoalPhysician (Cardiologist)
TalentScience Demonstration
Photo of Richelle Shi
Richelle Shi
CityLong Grove
University PreferenceNorthwestern University
Career GoalPhysician
TalentPiano Soloist Performance
Photo of Antigone Sliwinski
Antigone Sliwinski
CityPalos Hills
University PreferenceWestern Michigan University
Career GoalProduct Design Engineer
TalentSinging With Euphonium Background
Photo of Angelina Yang
Angelina Yang
CityNorthbrook
University PreferenceGeorgetown University
Career GoalLawyer
TalentChinese Dai Dance
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