Distinguished Young Women OF Montana


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 Lyla Ackerman
Lyla Ackerman
Distinguished Young Woman of Montana for 2024
State Program Information

Class of 2026 Program

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Where:
Carroll College FLEX Theater, Helena, MT

Statewide Virtual Local Program
TBA

Application due:
TBA

Paperwork due:
TBA
Note: Remittance of updated official grades & test scores will be allowed up to TBA

Tickets:
$10 at door
Cash, check or Venmo only

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 in Mobile, AL June 2026 for the opportunity to compete for cash tuition scholarships. To participate, you must be in your senior year of high school. Participants are evaluated in the areas of: scholastics, interview, talent, self-expression, and fitness.

Applications (FREE) for the CLASS OF 2026 (High School ladies whom will graduate in Spring of 2026) are now OPEN!


Apply Now

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Montana

Photo of Lyla Ackerman
Lyla Ackerman
FromHelena
University PreferenceUniversity of Denver
Career GoalBiology Teacher

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Lewis and Clark County

Photo of Lyla Ackerman
Lyla Ackerman
From
Helena

University Preference
University of Denver

Career Goal
Biology Teacher

Achievements:
ValedictorianDistinguished StudentTechnical Olympics Winner (JTF 2024)Best All Festival Performance by a Female (JTF 2018)AP Scholar with Honor4.0 Letter and Pin (6 consecutive semesters)All State Choir Acceptance (All 4 year of high school)Superior Rating Vocal Solo (State Music Festival 2022/23)Superior Rating Vocal Solo (District Music Festival 2022/23)Honor Bar and 5 Choir Pins (Choir Club Officer, All State Participant, District Participant, State Participant, General Choir Pin)

Activites:
Grandstreet Theatre School ClassesVoice LessonsRugbyDance: JazzChoir Club (President)Tutor

Additional:
Ushering at Grandstreet TheatreLink LeaderNational Honor Society

2025 State Participants

Photo of Adella Harris
Adella Harris
CityHelena
University PreferenceGonzaga University, Grand Canyon University, George Washington University, University of Montana,
Career GoalRun For Office, Work Within Public Policy, Federal And/Or State Government.
TalentBallet
Photo of Allison Hathaway
Allison Hathaway
CityDeer Lodge
University PreferenceBrigham Young University, The University of Utah, Montana State University
Career GoalPhysical Therapist
TalentSkill Demonstration
Photo of Isabella Kanenwisher
Isabella Kanenwisher
CityHamilton
University PreferenceBrigham Young University- Provo
Career GoalTo Major In Elementary Education With A Minor In Speech Pathology Or Special Education
TalentSinging Musical Theatre
Photo of Makaia McEwen
Makaia McEwen
CityStevensville
University PreferenceTroy University or Montana State University
Career GoalI Want To Major In Either Psychology Or Criminology And Become A Forensic Psychologist.
TalentMonologue
Photo of Layna Newhouse
Layna Newhouse
CityHelena
University PreferenceWebster or Marymount Manhatten
Career GoalWork In The Theater Industry And Then Teach At A Local Community Theatre
TalentSinging
Photo of Faith You
Faith You
CityMissoula
University PreferenceHarvard
Career GoalNeurologist, Researcher, And Politician
TalentMusical
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