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On this night, 17 young women representing their high schools from Bradford and Sullivan Counties will take the stage to participate in the “Accent on Achievement” program.
These young ladies will be judged and awarded scholarships in five categories: scholarship and achievement, interview, performing arts, aerobics and fitness, and presence and presentation. Each category is equal in value so that a well-rounded young woman is chosen as the representative. This year’s finalists will be vying for approximately $11,000 in total cash scholarship monies. Scholarships will also be awarded to the first through fourth runner up winners, along with the 2016 Outstanding Young Woman. The contestants themselves will award the “Keystone Award” to the young lady within their group that best exemplifies the spirit of the program.
A finalist will be chosen for the Pat Parsons Spirit Award. This award was created by and funded by OYW committee members in memory and celebration of Pat Parsons’ commitment to the Outstanding Young Woman organization. The recipient will be selected by current committee members.
Co-host Änna Ciaccio graduated from Canton High School and had the privilege of being named the 2006 Bradford-Sullivan Counties Outstanding Young Woman. As part of her duties, Änna participated in the Pennsylvania Outstanding Young Woman program in Reading, PA, where she was named the 3rd runner-up at the state level. After high school, she attended Duquesne University for vocal performance, with an emphasis in jazz. She graduated magna cum laude, and in the past five years has been pursuing her music through songwriting, recording, and performing solo music, as well as co-founding a professional choral group called "The Yinzer Singers."
Änna has also developed a strong interest in the fashion industry. She currently holds the position of buyer and manager at a boutique in Pittsburgh, PA, traveling to New York and Portugal throughout the year. In her free time, she enjoys yoga and spending time with friends and family.
She would like to express her gratitude to the organization for allowing her to co-host this auspicious event, and she looks forward to attending the 100th Anniversary!
Ending her reign, 2015 OYW Veronica Morrison, who represented Wyalusing Valley High School, has fulfilled several OYW appearances. Roni participated in the Towanda and Wyalusing local parades. Roni was a guest speaker at the Towanda Lion’s Club meeting and performed her memorable talent from the program. Roni presented the On Your Way program to Wyalusing's bible school program. This program emphasizes the importance of goal setting and develops self-esteem by motivating young people to grow mentally, morally and physically.
While attending Wyalusing Valley High School, Roni participated in volleyball, varsity basketball and track. She served as the president of her class and was previously the class vice president. Achieving honor roll placement, Roni also earned high honors and was a member of the Student Council. Having attended the Robert E. Cook Summer Honors College program, Roni was the group sketch leader. Roni participated in the Leo club and was on the Board of Directors. Roni currently attends Lock Haven University majoring as a pre- physician assistant. She was accepted into the Lock Haven University global honors program and is a team member of the volleyball team (Division II). Roni will complete her reign as the 2015 OYW at the 2016 OYW Program.
Roni Morrison is the daughter of Kevin and Lori Morrison.
The theme of this year’s production will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the accent on achievement program. The program is sponsored by the Towanda Lions Club. Tickets are on sale for $8.00 each on a pre-pay, pre-pickup basis. Tickets purchased at the door will be $10. For tickets please call Kelly Gannon, 570-250-0529. Open-to-the-public ticket location is Ben Franklin, Towanda. PA