Bremen High School Students Advance in Distinguished Young Women Program

Two Bremen High School students are breaking new ground by preparing to become the first in their families to attend college. Maya Contreras of Midlothian and Sophia Lara of Posen have been recognized as 2027 Distinguished Young Women of Illinois. They are advancing to the state level of the national program’s competition.

Their journey is significant as they both come from hard-working, lower-income families, where scholarships play a crucial role in realizing their college aspirations. The Distinguished Young Women of Illinois program offers them a valuable platform. Contreras actively volunteers at Braves Closet in Midlothian, a school initiative providing clothing and toiletries to students in need. Her dedication to social issues also involves supporting mental health initiatives led by school social workers. Her kindness and commitment were pivotal in advancing her to the state competition.

“I always give people a chance,” Contreras expressed. “I think a little kindness goes a long way.”

Contreras used the competition as an opportunity to connect with new people and display her talents, including Mexican folklore dancing from Nayarit. This art is special to her as it is rooted in the cultural heritage near her parents’ homeland in Jalisco, Mexico. Additionally, Contreras actively participates in the school’s National Honor Society, PEP club, poms, speech team, and Student Council. She co-founded the school’s mariachi band and is involved in the band, jazz ensemble, theater, and runs cross country.

Looking ahead, Contreras hopes to work in digital media and communication, influenced by her mother’s career in information technology. Her father is a mechanic, yet she harbors dreams in acting as well. Her presentation, including the Mexican Folklorico dance routine, left a strong impression on Tiana Pequette, chairwoman of Distinguished Young Women of Illinois.

“Maya performed a beautiful Mexican Folklorico dance routine, which stood out for its cultural representation,” Pequette noted. “The judges found Maya’s interview engaging and her personality truly shone.”

Sophia Lara shared a similar enthusiasm for competing at the state level. At Bremen, Lara shines in both dance and athletics, including being on the step team. She describes step dancing as initially challenging but fulfilling, as it requires a blend of emotion, energy, and precision.

Lara participates in Fuego dancing, which builds her confidence and poise. She is a DECA state finalist, part of the Student Council executive board, and plays on the varsity soccer team and POMS squad. Her accomplishments include receiving a National Honor Society Merit Community Service Award. Passionate about healthcare, she completed the Medicina Academy Apprentice Program at the University of Illinois Chicago, gaining college and career readiness.

In the Distinguished Young Women interview process, Lara highlighted her aspiration to improve healthcare resources for children, inspired by her mother’s experience with asthma. Her goal is to become a respiratory therapist.

“I want to make sure there are more resources for them,” Lara explained, emphasizing the significance of breathing, especially for athletes like herself. “I aim to help improve people’s standard of living.”

Lara credits her parents for maintaining high standards for her upbringing. Her mom, who works with disabled and immigrant children, is her primary role model. Lara’s ability to articulate her priorities impressed the judges.

“Sophia performed a powerful step dance routine, showcasing her skills and strength,” Pequette said. “Her confidence and communication skills during the interview were notable.”

Other aspiring finalists from the area include Sara Ocampo and Tuleen Duweik from Andrew High School in Tinley Park. Pequette praised their ambition and hard work, forecasting them as future leaders.

The finalists will now receive coaching from experts and continue gaining valuable experience. The showcase is set for July 26 at 3 p.m. at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. The event, open to the public, includes an awards ceremony with scholarships offered. Those selected as the 2027 Distinguished Young Women of Illinois will compete at the national finals in Mobile, Alabama, in June 2027, for additional scholarships.

Report by Janice Neumann for the Daily Southtown.