Lyla Ackerman of Helena was recently named the Distinguished Young Woman of Montana for 2024 and awarded $2,900 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Carroll College.
A Helena teen was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Montana on Jan. 6 and awarded $2,900 in scholarships during a statewide program for high school girls at Carroll College.
Lyla Ackerman, a senior at Helena High School, was one of five senior girls in Montana who competed for the award and to represent the state.
Participants are evaluated in scholastics, an interview, talent, fitness and self-expression, program officials said.
Lyla Ackerman of Helena was recently named the Distinguished Young Woman of Montana for 2024 and awarded $2,900 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Carroll College.
Courtesy of Distinguished Young Women
"I truly could not have done it without the support of my family, my teachers, and my friends," Ackerman said in a news release. "They have taught me that no matter the outcome, they will always be there for me, and for that I am grateful beyond words."
She will go to Mobile, Alabama, on June 27-29 with 49 other state winners of the award to participate for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2024.
The ceremony offers more cash scholarships.
During 2024, Ackerman will represent Montana during public events and serve as a model for young people by spreading the outreach message, "be your best self."
The outreach program is designed to build self-esteem in young people through its five principles, be healthy, be involved, be studious, be ambitious and be responsible.
The free program, which started in 1958, announced the addition of Allison Murray, the state chair of the organization.
Murray said she believes the mission of the organization is more important now than ever.
"I consider it an honor and a privilege to volunteer for this organization as I get to know and support our Montana participants and volunteers," Murray said in a news release.
Sonny Tapia is a criminal justice and education reporter for the Helena Independent Record.
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