Newark teen competing in Distinguished Young Woman of America competition

A Newark teen is in the running for Distinguished Young Woman of America.

Alicia Chu is one of 50 women competing for over $150,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2024. The competition is being held this week in Mobile, Ala.

Chu, 2024 graduate of Archmere Academy, plans to attend Harvard University and pursue a career in law.

Following her selection as the Distinguished Young Woman of Delaware, Chu began preparations for National Finals, which will include five categories of evaluation: scholastics, interview, fitness, talent, and self-expression.

During her two weeks in Mobile, Chu will participate in team building activities, complete community service projects, interact with the Gulf Coast community through various events, and engage in many hours of rehearsal in preparation for the three-night scholarship program.

If selected as the program’s overall winner, Chu will spend the next year representing Distinguished Young Women across the country through various appearances and promoting the program’s national outreach initiative of Be Your Best Self.

The outreach program is designed to combat major issues facing children today, including childhood obesity and high school dropout rates, as well as encourage young people to take an active interest in their communities through service. The outreach program consists of five elements — Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

“We are excited to welcome the 50 outstanding state representatives to Mobile for the 67th annual National Finals of Distinguished Young Women,” said Carole Hegwood, executive director of Distinguished Young Women. “These young women are accomplished, talented, intelligent, and have exciting futures ahead of them.”