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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa hosted the 53rd annual Iowa Junior Miss Scholarship Program Saturday evening.

The event has been in Ottumwa since 1973. Fourteen girls from all over the state, including two from Ottumwa, competed for the honor to represent Iowa at the Distinguished Young Woman's event in Mobile, Ala., this summer.  And the young woman to receive the honor this year as Distinguished Young Woman of Iowa/Iowa Junior Miss was Alessa Strelecki of West Des Moines.

Contestants were judged on self-expression, talent and fitness. They were also judged on interviews earlier in the day.

Chairwoman Joyce Sanchez says the girls gain experience in more ways than one.  "Not only are they going to win cash scholarships, they also bond very well. They become good friends. Even the girls that won't win any money tonight, they take away with them self confidence. Getting outside their comfort zone and doing something they haven't tried before."

Over 400 people attended the event. Visit www.distinguishedyw.org for more information.