This August, Montgomery Catholic senior, Angeles Gonzalez-Ansaldi, won the title of the 2022 Montgomery County Distinguished Young Woman.
The Distinguished Young Women program is a scholarship program that enables young women to display their talents and accomplishments as well as empowering them to further their education and prepare for the future.
Angeles competed against 10 other girls with various backgrounds, dreams, and talents. With all the differences within the program, the competition is very diverse. When asked about the environment of the program Angeles responded “ I thought the environment was going to be much more competitive than it actually was. When I started to see those around me as friends rather than the competition it made a huge difference and we built each other up in moments of weakness and strength. They are now some of my best friends.”
Throughout the competition and possible stress of the program, Angeles said the verse that kept her going was Joshua 1:9- “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” She mentioned how this was the verse that kept her going and stuck with her throughout the entire process of Distinguished Young Women, as well as serving as a reminder to stand strong in her faith. With this verse, she says, she was able to feel the prayers of everyone cheering her on and that she was super grateful for the support.
Angeles will be competing for Montgomery County at the Statewide Distinguished Young Women’s Competition from January 21-22 of 2022 against 40 other ladies. We wish her the best of luck!!
