Three Vie for Title of 'Distinguished Young Woman of Oak Creek'

The 50th-annual Oak Creek Junior Miss Program - now called the Distinguished Young Women of Oak Creek - will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the cafetorium of Oak Creek West Middle School, 8401 S. 13th St.

The three participants in Oak Creek are:

Katie Damitz, Oak Creek High School 
Daughter of Sue Riley and Dean Damitz 
Activities/Honors: Show Choir, Choir, Tennis, SADD, Church, Student Council, JV Softball manager, Best Buddies, Perfect Attendance Award, Various WSMA District and State Solo and Ensemble Singing awards, volunteer work 
Talent: Vocal

Gina Miliacca, Martin Luther High School 
Daughter of Rachel and Mark Miliacca 
Activities/Honors: church usher, Sunday School teacher and aide, National Honor Society, symphonic band, flute choir, JV basketball captain, pep band, grade-school basketball coaching assistant, American Legion Post 434 Junior Member, ranked sixth in the nation in baton twirling, three WSMA state and district gold medals, Miss Badger State, Wisconsin State Solo, One-Baton and Two-Baton champion, basketball and football halftime performer 
Talent: Baton Twirling

Rita Fadness, Oak Creek High School 
Daughter of Phyllis and Kenneth Fadness 
Activities/Honors: National Honor Society, student council, marching band, Young Republicans Club, freshman mentoring program, Oak Creek Assembly of God orchestra, Board of Education Award for Academic Excellence, Renaissance Award, Perfect Attendance Award, WSMA District and State Solo Ensemble Awards, Instrumentalist Magazine Musicianship Award, Band Participant Award, Social Studies Student of the Month 
Talent: Flute

The former Junior Miss program changed its name last summer in an effort to reposition the program for the future. Officials with the program say the new name is more descriptive of what the program truly does: inspire high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments.

Although the name is new, the participants continue to be evaluated in five categories: interview, worth 25 percent of the total score; scholastics, worth 20 percent; talent, 25 percent; and fitness and self-expression, each worth 15% percent.

The Distinguished Young Woman of Oak Creek 2012 will receive the opportunity for many scholarships, including a $400 cash scholarship to the school of her choice. She will also participate in Distinguished Young Women of Wisconsin in Franklin in August.

Because it's the 50th anniversary, many former Junior Misses will be involved in the show. Any previous participants and volunteers are especially invited to participate in the celebration and will be invited to introduce themselves on stage.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Tickets can be purchased from any of the participants or by calling program coordinator, Lisa Lesjak, at (414) 254-2464. Lesjak is also celebrating a milestone - her 25th year as the program’s coordinator.