MOBILE, Alabama - After belting out a powerful rendition of "Defying Gravity," and telling the judges that America is a "global country," Sarah Kathryn Brock of Tullahoma, Tenn., was named the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2011 during the 54th annual National Finals. The competition was formerly known as America's Junior Miss.
Mobile Mayor Sam Jones presented Brock, who is called "Katye," with a gold medal as showers of rainbow-colored confetti rained down on the stage at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. She won $44,000 in cash scholarships.
"I was not expecting to hear my name called," Brock said a few minutes later. "I have no words."
Danielle DuBose, Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama, was first runner-up, winning a $25,000 cash scholarship. Second runner-up was Hannah Roberts of Mississippi, who won $15,000.
The top five girls in each category were given $1,000 scholarships. The top 10 overall were named finalists Saturday night, and repeated their fitness, talent and self-expression performances before the crowd of more than 1,800.