2012 class of Distinguished Young Woman arrives in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - It's the beginning of a two-week long journey for the Distinguished Young Women of America as Girl Scout troops and host families greeting the 50 high school girls, one coming from each state.

The mission of The Distinguished Young Women is to “positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent”.

"I got a good gift bag full of Alabama stuff and gorgeous flowers, a hat and a coffee mug,” said Deven Inch who flew in from Alaska.

She said the fanfare here in Mobile was different from home in Alaska where "its not such a big deal."

Lena Sun, who is representing New Jersy, said "I can't even believe is happening right now. Looking back two weeks ago, I wouldn't have thought this was actually going to happen."

Sun said she is the most excited about hanging out with other women from across the nation but she is a little nervous about the dance portion of the competition.

“I’m not a natural dancer or anything so I've been working hard on getting the chorography down,” Sun said.

Sun, Inch and the other participants spend two weeks focusing on community service activities and 3 days competing in the 55th annual national finals competition for cash scholarships.

Officials said before the young women arrived in Alabama, they went through a rigorous interview process.

"They have to be really well rounded and they are tested on all these different things," DYW spokesperson Erin Kennemer said.

Over the years, the program has received less national recognition but officials are hoping that a large turnout this year, will help the program continue to grow.

“With the name change a few years ago we just hope to get stronger. We want to stress the same ideals we have always done and we hope people recognize that,” Kennemer said.