Simmons claims title as 2014 ‘Distinguished Young Woman’

Posted on October 8, 2014

By ANGELA M. CASTELUCCI / Staff writer

A fluorescent sunset backdrop transported audience members to “Paradise” for the 2014 Florida Forest Festival Distinguished Young Women program Saturday evening.

The seven title candidates—Niya Lawson, Haley Horner, Viva Gunter, Emily Arnold, Clara Taylor, Michayla Mitchell and Jharmara Simmons—then punctuated the journey as a “State of Mind” during their opening number. Dressed in flowing skirts accented with gossamer scarves, the group’s lyrical dance was an elegant ballet of motion and set the tone for the nearly two-hour program that followed.

Charm, poise and talent were the keywords of the night, with each candidate displaying her own unique personality and presence for the judges.

By night’s end, Jharmara Simmons was declared the winner along with first runner-up Haley Horner and second runner-up Michayla Mitchell.

PHOTO: Viva Gunter, left, won the Scholastic Award; talent and self-expression Clara Taylor received the ‘Spirit of Distinguished Young Women’ Award.

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