Centre County's Outstanding Young Woman Program  

Congratulations to Elizabeth Lee

Centre County's Outstanding Young Woman 2009

OYW meant a lot to me my senior year. I created and strengthened friendships, I improved my retention of choreography, and I learned that, if possible, you should never talk to the interviewers like it’s a rain shower. The local program also gave me a giant boost of confidence I would need for my college auditions. I auditioned for several theatre programs up and down the east coast, and ultimately arrived at the back door to my house, Penn State. I couldn’t be happier.
My group of girls were unique. Although 14 of us were from State High, it was almost like we met for the first time. We learned new things about each one of us, and became that much closer. The girls from the other schools were also pretty amazing. We assimilated into one giant family, and completely supported each other in every way. I’m pretty sure I don’t know anyone else who would have tolerated me at ten o’clock at night sweating from the fitness routine, dragging my feet from dancing in heels, and wearing a giant teal gown while tripping over a large ribbon except for that group of girls, especially because they were going through that too.
 

The hours of volunteerism, hard work, and pure sweat at the local program are astounding. There are so many people that dedicate time, money, and labor to this program, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Last year’s program was unbelievable, and every one of my girls would agree with me. Enough thanks cannot be given to the women and men who organize, donate, and tire over giving girls in Centre County a chance to display their intellect, talent, and grace. Or for most of us, lack thereof. Being chosen to represent the group of girls was very humbling, and I missed all of them as I traveled to Reading the week of Thanksgiving for the State program.
 

The State program, however, had something that the local program couldn’t offer: completely new people. As much as I loved every one from the local program, I couldn’t wait to go and meet a group of all new girls who obviously must have had a similar passion as me. But adjusting when I got to States was surprisingly difficult. We immediately began rehearsals for our 14 minute long fitness routine, and then it hit me. What I had spent months learning for CCOYW, I had to learn in one week, and still participate in hours of community service. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I learned so much being a teacher’s aide at Laurer’s Park, an elementary school in Reading. I thought that having senior citizens teach us how to line dance was genius. And cutting carpet padding for Habitat for Humanity was probably my most favorite. There were so many opportunities to give back to a community that was supporting me and 17 other girls, and I loved that. The girls and I bonded over these community service hours, and our many meals (we were fed so much!), and especially in the “Patty Wagon”, which was me and five other girls in Pat Bright’s van everyday listening to Colbie Caillat over and over again on the way to and from rehearsals. I will never forget the super-late nights my house-mate, Alexis, and I spent trying to figure out our fitness routine. I will never forget my little host family siblings, and how much food their parents showered upon me and Alexis. I will never forget our Thanksgiving dinner with all of our new friends. And I will never forget the hours we spent crying and laughing together over missed friends, family, loved ones, and our dreams during our Angel Box presentation. In theatre, we are supposed to connect in different ways to our cast and to the story, but I don’t think there has been another time where I have felt so immediately attached to something, let alone people, before.
 

Parents, please know that as much as your daughter might have come home from rehearsals screaming and exasperated (I know I did), she loved this program. Regardless of any outcome, it will have shaped, if nothing, a small part of her senior year, and if everything, the rest of her life. I am thanking you for encouraging your daughter to pursue any dream of hers, and also for probably pushing her out the door a few times.
 

Linn, Lindsay, the Board of Directors, Abby, Chris, Nicole, Sandy, all volunteers and donors, and the lovely Miss Stacy: thank you for keeping this program going strong. Without any of you, we would have probably been lost and adrift. And as much as we might have driven you crazy, please know that you are so appreciated.
 

Girls—I know what you’ve gone through, what you have given up, and how crazy stressed you have been, but I hope you have cherished every moment spent with each other. This is an unrivaled opportunity. It is about more than a competition, or money, or a title. It is about experience and memories and interactions with others that I challenge you to find anywhere else. One of you will be chosen as “Centre County’s Outstanding Young Woman of 2009”, but know that the girl chosen will only be representing all of you somewhere else. Any of you could be that girl. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.