- December 4, 2025
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Madison Taylor, of Okaloosa, dances to “Let’s Get Loud.”
Megan Alsene, of Winter Garden, sings “Goodbye Until Tomorrow.”
Abbey Oshman, of Jacksonville, dances to “Something in the Water.”
Haley Horton, of Orlando, sings “Astonishing.”
Michaela Poitevien presents a dramatic monologue, “End the Hurting.”
Kautia Matyko, of Oviedo, discusses her career goals during the Self Expression portion of the evening.
The fitness portion of the evening.
Megan Alsene, right, and Haley Horton perform during the fitness portion of the evening.
Taylour Marks, of Apopka, sings “Shy.”
Te’a Creamer, dances to “XO/Kiss Me.”
Lauryn Bosse, of Winter Springs, sings and plays “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Kautia Matyko, of Oviedo, twirls batons.
Zainab Hageldain, of Miramar, sings “Titanium.”
Victoria Fields, of Dade City, does a ballet dance for her talent selection.
Shannon Wade, the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Florida, performs for the audience.
Megan Alsene dances with other participants during a production number.
Tara Moore awards Haley Horton of Orlando as second honoree.
Madison Taylor of Okaloosa becomes Distinguished Young Woman of Florida.
WINTER GARDEN High school seniors from around Florida participated in the Distinguished Young Women of Florida state program on Jan. 9 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden. The event allowed each of the young women to showcase various talents while competing for college scholarships.
At the conclusion of the evening, Madison Taylor of Okaloosa was named Distinguished Young Woman of Florida. Taylour Marks, of Apopka, won first honoree, and Haley Horton, of Orlando, was named second honoree.
The competition included categories such as fitness, interview and talent, and seeks to promote scholastic achievement, public speaking confidence, interview skills, physical fitness and moral character in the participants.
In the week prior to the event, the participants volunteered and spent time in the community.
As Distinguished Young Woman of Florida, Taylor moves on to represent Florida at the national competition.
