Ashley Gochoco (left) 2009-2010 and Nicolette Drescher, (Right) 2010-2011 York  County Junior Miss

The York County Junior Miss Program was started by the York Junior Chamber of Commerce, now known as the York Jaycees. It was held at the York Suburban High School in October, 1966. Called a pageant at that time, the second annual production was held in April, 1967. Due to the success of awarding scholarship dollars to outstanding young women, the program grew rapidly. The following year, the winner received $1000 in scholarships.

Jaycee wives participated as Big Sisters, helping the candidates to prepare for the big event. George Trout served as Master of Ceremonies for the production, a role he successfully performed for the next 25 years. The York High Stage Band provided live music throughout the evening.

In 1976, the community support and awareness of the program was extensive. Individuals who were not part of the Jaycees organization wanted to be involved in the program. Thus the decision was made to incorporate, and York County Junior Miss, Inc. was founded.

The sponsors of the program played a key role in the growth of the scholarships. Jack Giambalvo was one of the earliest sponsors, and continues to do so today. He was joined by York College of PA, emphasizing the education emphasis of the Junior Miss Program.

The Dallastown Stage Band assumed the musical performance portion of the production, and for 21 years, Ronald Hill, the director, shared his talents and those of the Dallastown students with capacity audiences. Barry Girling served as Technical Director for more than 30 productions, with Dave Coombs as Stage Manager.  

York Federal Savings & Loan, now Sovereign Bank, joined the sponsor list. In addition, Bradley Lifting, The Bon-Ton, Chloe Eichelberger, Stewart & Tate, Inc., Perform Group, LLC, York Traditions Bank and Glatfelter Insurance Group became sponsors as well. The dazzling costumes for the program are provided by Perform Group, LLC.  the York County program began to grow in popularity and gained national attention as well.

The York County Program has been recognized by America's Junior Miss as one of the most outstanding programs in the country, awarding more scholarships than any other local Junior Miss Program in the nation. Lyn Buckler-Bergdoll, President of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the program, also won the National Chairman's Award in June, 2000.

Today the program is held at Central York High School usually on the first Saturday in May. Doug Allen from WGAL 8 serves as Master of Ceremonies and the West York Area High School Stage Band, under the direction of Tom Eyster, provides music and entertainment for the event.

The scholarships have increased steadily over the years, and to date, over $400,000 has been awarded to exceptional students in the York Community. The winner of the title now receives $12,000 to the college of her choice. Additional awards are presented to the runner-up positions and preliminary category winners.

And now, America's, Pennsylvania's and York County's name has been changed to Distinguished Young Women, Scholarship/Leadership/Talent.  The name change was unveiled at the 53rd National Finals on June 26, 2010.