After winning the Minnesota title, Molly Kestner is in Alabama competing for the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman national title June 26-28.

After winning the state title, Kestner is one of 50 state representatives competing for a share of more than $150,000 in cash scholarships, as well as the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2014.

“I kind of went into it just thinking it would be a fun experience and maybe [I would] get a little scholarship money,” Kestner said. “I’m super excited and it’s a huge honor, but it was a shock [to win].”

Distinguished Young Women is a large national scholarship program for high school girls, previously known as America’s Junior Miss.

Kestner’s aunt introduced her to the program. Kestner described the contest as being similar to a pageant, but it differs by being aimed for high school seniors and is scored differently. The competition consists of five categories: scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.

The national competition will host the same categories and scoring as the state level, but with new judges and tougher competition.

Yet for Kestner, the title isn’t the main goal.

“To me, it’s not about winning the title, but it’s an amazing experience. I can help people and do a lot of good with it,” Kestner said. “I think the biggest thing I’m excited to gain is just to connect with people from all over the country.”

Kestner has already connected with some of the girls she will be competing against, and she believes there is an even shot at winning for every woman competing.

“I know whoever wins is going to be an amazing representative,” Kestner said. “I just hope that the best person wins.”

The winner receives a large college scholarship and will spend the next year representing Distinguished Young Women across the country through various appearances.

The winner will promote the program’s national outreach initiative, “Be Your Best Self,” which is designed to combat large issues facing today’s children, such as childhood obesity and high school drop out rates, as well as encourage young people to get involved with community service programs.

The 50 representatives are spending the first part of two weeks in Alabama completing community service projects. They’ll also interact with the Gulf Coast community through various events before rehearsing for the three-night competition at the end of the two weeks.

Kestner said her experience with the program has been amazing, and she is excited to see the final outcome. She has enjoyed meeting the other competitors, who she said have been very genuine and real. She hopes to show younger girls they don’t have to be perfect or fit into society’s mold to be successful or to accomplish their dreams.