What did you do this summer? Chances are, unless you wrote a song, designed an exercise routine, and wrote a full essay, senior Isabella DiPietrantonio has you beat.

In fact, she has all of Pennsylvania beat.

DiPietriantonio, or “DP” as she’s affectionately known, was announced as Pennsylvania’s Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) August 29. The win came after an almost full month of competition among hundreds of other young women from across the state.

And like everything else this year, COVID forced the competition to adapt to the virtual realm.

The competition began August 12 with the submission of the girls' talent recordings for which DiPietrantonio wrote and sang her original song “My Dragonfly” while playing guitar—an instrument she taught herself to play during the weeks of staying indoors last spring.

Four days later, she submitted her “Be Your Best Self” essay August 16 in which she discussed the wide range of extracurricular activities she is involved in and how it contributes to her personal growth.

Then, August 21, she submitted her opening introduction statement and personal fitness routine for which she was required to demonstrate stamina, agility, and flexibility. Her routine was set to the song “Move” by Toby Green.

Finally, August 22 DiPietrantonio was interviewed by a panel of judges over Zoom. This segment is considered the most important in terms of how competition grading is weighted, with the interview comprising 25 percent of a contestant’s score.

She also read her self-expression essay during the Zoom call with this one asking, “If you had to create a new class of study in your high school, what would it be?” DiPietrantonio's essay was about expressive arts therapy.

As a result of her efforts, DiPietrantonio was awarded $5,950 in scholarships. She also moves on to the national level of the competition which is held in Mobile, Alabama.

So, how does she think she’ll do at the national level?

DiPietriantonio said, “I don’t really know. DYW is a program that brings together so many amazingly unique, intelligent, and talented young women from across the country, that it’s hard to predict my chances.”

Whatever the outcome, DiPietrantonio is keeping in perspective what really matters.

“No matter the final outcome of nationals, the refinement of my speaking skills, the new friendships I’ve made, and the overall experience provided through DYW will be the greatest rewards of all.”