Anna Marie Ronderos enjoyed her time at the state program for Distinguished Young Women recently. Last week, she was at the celebrity waiter dinner for the St. Clair County DYW. She is pictured with her parents, Joe and Kathy Ronderos.
The reigning St. Clair County Distinguished Young Woman was busy representing her county at Alabama’s Distinguished Young Woman Scholarship Program in Montgomery.
Ronderos competed at the state level several weeks ago, and said it was a nice experience and a very rewarding period in her life.
“It was a chance to spend time with girls who have the same qualities that you have,” Ronderos said. “We all strive to be the best in our academic work, and have talent. They were just great all-around girls. I had an awesome time with a great host family and a tremendous roommate.”
Ronderos’ host family was Mike and Michelle LeGrand, while her roommate was Alex McNatt, DYW from Clay County.
Ronderos is the daughter of Joe and Kathy Ronderos. One of the hardest things she experienced while there was being away from her parents for a period of time with no contact.
“It was difficult, because it was such a stressful week,” Ronderos said. “But, by not talking to them, I feel they were not as worried about me.”
“The state program was an experience our family will never forget,” Kathy Ronderos said. “It was thrilling to watch Anna Marie compete with such intelligent, beautiful young women. She represented her family, school and community well.”
“I enjoyed watching Anna Marie in Montgomery,” Joe Ronderos said. “She worked really hard and it showed. We were very pleased with the whole program.
“The state DYW program is a great experience, and a great way for young ladies to earn scholarships. It has been a wonderful experience for Anna Marie and our family.”
She did receive many cards, letters and emails from friends and family members. She said that mean so much, and it brightened her day.
“I received letters from all the ladies from DYW,” Ronderos said. “It helped me make it through each day.”
Ronderos said she did her very best at state and it is an experience she will always remember.
“It helped me become a young lady, and it taught me a lot of good things,” she said. “It taught me a lot about myself, and taught me how to act around people and how to be respected and be respectful toward others.”
Ronderos is making plans to attend Birmingham-Southern and will major in biology.
Thanks to the St. Clair County DYW, Ronderos earned $3,400 that will go toward her college education.
Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.
