Rose basketball highlights
Issue 1
September 27th, 2019
McGillicuddy moves on to DYW states
WED. | 2-22-23 | NEWS
On Saturday, Jan. 28, senior Brielle McGillicuddy placed third runner-up at the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) state competition in Greensboro, North Carolina.
McGillicuddy began participating in DYW during her junior year, where she won Distinguished Young Woman of Pitt County. Because of her county title, McGillicuddy was given the opportunity to compete at the state level on Friday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Jan. 29.
“Not every county has a local program, so because of this, not every county had a representative in the states,” McGillicuddy said. “However, there were 15 counties that did have at least one representative, and some even had two.”
At the state competition, McGillicuddy was judged on scholastics, an interview portion, talent, fitness and self-expression.
For DYW Pitt County, McGillicuddy said that she spent most of her time competing and preparing, however, it was [the] opposite at the state level.
Contributed photo
“We had much more time where we could do more with our titles than rehearse; we could serve,” McGillicuddy said. “We would spend about two hours every day rehearsing, but then we would go out in the community and give back.”
When McGillicuddy’s name was announced as third-runner up at states, she was proud of herself for stepping out of her comfort zone.
“To this day, I’m proud of what I accomplished and the title I was given,” McGillicuddy said. “I gained memories, lifelong friendships and fourth in the state.”
These lifelong friendships spurred from the universal experience the girls shared. McGillicuddy believes that they all knew they deserved it, so they were rooting for everyone to win.
“The camaraderie and support from girls that I received was something like none other,” McGillicuddy said. “We were all rooting for each other, not judging or praying on each other’s downfall.”
Because of the relationships formed and the memories McGillicuddy gained, she found that the hardest part of DYW was the process of competing coming to an end.
“Now, my roles have shifted a little,” McGillicuddy said. “I went from being a participant to now being a leader and ‘role model’ figure to the next Pitt County Distinguished Young Women class of 2024; they’ve begun preparations for their local program, and I have loved being able to see firsthand the impact that this program is having on them.”
McGillicuddy urges all girls that are considering participating in this program to get involved.
“I leave this program with 33 new sisters,” McGillicuddy said. “Eight from my local, 15 from my state and ten from this next class.”
