Mary Gates speaks to the audience during the self-expression category of the Distinguished Young Women of Okaloosa County program in August.

Choctawhatchee High School senior Mary Gates might seem like your typical teenage girl, but through her participation in the Distinguished Young Women of Okaloosa County (Florida) program this past summer, she has shown her community the true spirit of the Distinguished Young Women program.

Gates set her sights on participating in the first-ever Okaloosa County program to share in a unique experience with fellow high school senior girls and to take advantage of the opportunity to gain valuable skills such as public speaking. She planned to share her love for dancing during the talent portion of the program. However, a recurring foot injury required surgery this past June and put Gates in a cast with crutches and then in a walking boot. Throughout her recovery over the course of the summer, she continued participating in the monthly Distinguished Young Women meetings in preparation for the program in August. She anticipated her recovery would be complete in time for the program and she would have the ability to fully take part in all categories including fitness and talent.

Unfortunately, Gates received news from her doctor that she would be unable to participate in the talent and fitness portions of the program and that the walking boot would need to remain on her foot. "I was faced with the decision to stay in the program I fell in love with months before, or only support from an audience perspective and miss out on an amazing experience," said Gates. "Honestly, it was a no-brainer!"

Despite the fact it would be unlikely for her to receive the program's top award, Gates made the decision to remain in the program and participate in the categories that she was able.

"When I first decided to register, my intentions were never for the title," said Gates. "I chose to continue on solely for the program, and as time passed, for every girl that I developed such strong bonds with. I truly didn't want to miss out on an amazing opportunity that only comes around once."

According to Program Chairperson Carole Byrd, Gates wowed the crowd during her self-expression presentation speaking on her decision to remain in the program. She went on to receive the program's self-expression award, earning her a $500 cash scholarship. "I'm so proud of her and so proud that she remained a part of the program for all of the right reasons," said Byrd.

Following her experience with the program, Gates says she has been encouraging girls to participate next year. "I walked away with new friendships, I gained confidence in public speaking and I developed unforgettable memories with 10 awesome ladies I didn't even know before," said Gates. "This program had such a great impact on my life, and I wouldn't change a single second for anything."