MOBILE, Ala. — On Feb. 23, Maggie Whittemore of South Paris was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Maine and awarded $1,200 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Lewiston Middle School in Lewiston.

Whittemore was one of two high school senior girls from Maine who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Maine for 2013.

Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (20%), Interview (25%), Fitness (15%), Self-Expression (15%) and Talent (25%).

Throughout the next year, Whittemore will represent the state at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.”

The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious and Be Responsible.

Whittemore is the daughter of Duffy and Rhonda Whittemore and is a senior at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

The 56th National Finals will take place on June 27-29. Whittemore will travel to Mobile along with 49 other state representatives to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2013 and for additional cash scholarships.

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