The following press release was sent in by Distinguished Young Women.

Brookfield’s Zoe Miller was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut and awarded $500 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Woodstock Academy in Woodstock, CT.

Miller was one of three high school senior girls from Connecticut who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut for 2012. Other award recipients included Kelly Kimball of Weatogue (1st Runner-up) and Micala Smith of Baltic (Spirit Award). Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (20 percent), Interview (25 percent), Fitness (15 percent), Self-Expression (15 percent) and Talent (25 percent).

Throughout the next year, Miller will represent Connecticut at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious and Be Responsible.

“I feel so privileged to have been given the honor of being the Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut for 2012,” Miller said. “After taking part at the state program, I believe that Distinguished Young Women shows girls across the country that anything is possible if you are dedicated and set goals for yourself.”

Miller, a senior at Brookfield High School (BHS), has numerous achievements, including: National Merit Scholar; National Honor Society; French Honor Society; Connecticut Academic Performance Test Honors Award; Student Council Treasurer; American Protégé First Prize Winner; Crescendo International Competition Winner; National Young Maestro First Prize Winner; American Chamber Orchestra Finalist; and Business Law Academic Achievement Award. In addition, Miller’s activities include: World Youth Alliance Orchestra Member; Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Violinist; National Honors Society Member; Amnesty International President; French Honors Society Member; Church Youth Group President; Norwalk Youth Symphony Member; String Quartet Founder; Apollo String Quartet Member; and Brookfield Math Team Member.

The 55th National Finals will take place on June 28, 29 and 30, 2012, in Mobile, AL. Miller will travel to Mobile along with 49 other state representatives to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012 and for a share of more than $130,000 in cash scholarships.

Tennessee’s Katye Brock, who is attending the University of Tennessee-Knoxville this year, won the 2011 overall award.