MARYSVILLE – Mount Vernon’s Grace Allen was awarded a $500 cash scholarship Sunday in the Be Your Best Self category during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Veteran’s Auditorium in Marysville.

Allen was one of 19 high school senior girls from Ohio who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Ohio for 2020. Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%) and Self-Expression (15%).

Allen is the daughter of Donald and Lori Allen and is a senior at Mount Vernon High School.

About Distinguished Young Women

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. The 63rd National Finals will take place June 25, 26 and 27, 2020, in Mobile, Ala.

Its mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, developing their self-confidence and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school.

National sponsors include Mobile County, City of Mobile, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Alabama Power Foundation, Wintzell’s Oyster House, Master Boat Builders, Encore Rehabilitation, Evonik, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.