On June 29, Lori Feng of Starkville was named first runner-up at the 2019 Distinguished Young Woman of America National Finals in Mobile, Alabama, and was presented a cash scholarship of $20,000. Feng, the daughter of Li Wang and Gary Feng, amassed a total of $32,750 in cash scholarships through her participation in the DYW program at the local, state and national levels. She was one of 50 state representatives who competed in Mobile.
The 2019 graduate of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. Among her many activities, she is a National Merit Finalist, cofounder of the Girls Power International Program, former president of MSMS Student Government, a member of the National History Day team and the SHS robotics team. She served as a tutor at the Boys & Girls Club and Second Baptist Church in Starkville.
In her capacity as 2018 Starkville Distinguished Young Woman, Feng appeared at public events and promoted the DYW national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” It’s designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious and Be Responsible.
“Lori is an outstanding young woman who is impacting the lives of young people every day and has been an inspiring ambassador for our city and state,” said Susan Keith, chair of the Starkville DYW program.
Previously known as America’s Junior Miss, DYW is the largest national scholarship program for high school girls. Last year, it provided more than $367 million in cash and college scholarship opportunities.
To learn more, visit distinguishedyw.org, or follow the program on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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