The final Saturday of February 2023 was one I’ll long remember in my professional career. An event I’ve covered a fair share of times in my tenure, yet the drive there was a bit different.
That Saturday night as I made my way to Magnolia Elementary School my camera bag wasn’t poised in my passenger seat as it has been in past years. This time, my daughter was in tow, as my date for the night as she shared her own special interest in the event which was at hand.
Oakdale’s Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program for the Class of 2024 presented by Soroptimist International of Oakdale, would be our Saturday entertainment and bonding time as mother and daughter.
As we drove there, I was struck by a comical memory. Twenty-one years ago, this very event was my first assignment as a new reporter. Prior to that night, my responsibilities were press releases, babies, weddings, engagements and obits. Sharing this with my daughter, I laughed at how nervous I was making that drive 21 years ago. Afraid of blocking the families from their photos as I tried to “get the shots,” conscientious of how I would portray the winner in a light which made her, as well as her family proud. Just the responsibility of it all … and then of course as a part-time reporter, the worry of racking up overtime. It was all spinning in my brain.
This year as I arrived to check in, my sophomore at my side, I was proud to share with the ladies at the desk my longtime connection to the event. As we traveled to our seats, front and center, thanks to the organizers of SIO, I made notice of how some things had changed.
The title from Junior Miss to Distinguished Young Women was one we’d adjusted to a few years back. The layout was different than 21 years ago, a definite evolution had happened which was to be expected. Some faces were the same, while many were different. All this aside, the energy and enthusiasm of the 13 young women was just as I recalled from that first time 21 years ago.
There were a number of things which impressed me about this group of young women, most especially as so much has changed in our world. Keep in mind, 21 years ago teen life was still pretty simple. Wi-Fi wasn’t used by the masses, smart phones did not exist and social media wasn’t even a thing.
Yet as these 13 young ladies presented themselves, stereotypes were defied, time and time again.
As the show opened their fitness, as well as dedication, quickly showed during the opening number and their respective fitness routines. Talent represented by 13 different young ladies, in a variety of nontraditional areas was also impressive. Yes, of course singing, dancing and instrument playing was still represented, but so too was public speaking, an art display and an education on horse handling. Outstanding.
It would be the final moment however, of self-expression, where I gained newfound hope in this young generation which has received so much flack about being stuck to technology.
Each of the 13 young women approached the microphone and shared with the panel of judges their thoughts on the question they had been given just the night before. “In your Golden Years how do you want to be remembered?” Each of the 13 addressing this with poise, confidence and charisma; excellent.
Following the awards, I couldn’t help but notice all the girls surrounded by family, friends and loved ones being acknowledged for all they had accomplished. That looked exactly the same as it had 21 years ago.
At the end of the day, isn’t that what it’s all about? Regardless of progress, change and evolution, love, support and a good ol’ atta girl can take our youth a long way. How fortunate this community and our children are to have this remain such a staple.
Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.
