The title of Distinguished Young Woman of Oklahoma officially belongs to Kylie Hood.

The soon-to-be senior at Kingfisher High School gained the state’s top honor during a ceremony Saturday at WearHouse Mercantile.

Joining a host of family and friends were members of the DYW of Oklahoma board as well as last year’s state winner, Ella Dierlam.

Hood was presented a medallion as well as a $1,500 cash scholarship to the university of her choice.

On top of that, more than 100 universities nationwide offer various scholarships to state title holders.

Hood recited a poem for the ceremony crowd that she would have performed as her talent during the state competition.

Entitled “Sit Like a Lady,” it was originally written and performed by Miss New York’s Sydney Parks.

Hood will perform the poem at the national DYW competition next June in Mobile, Ala.

She also displayed a slide show of photos of what she’s done the past year as the reigning DYW of Kingfisher County.

Dierlam also showed her year in pictures as DYW of Oklahoma and gave a farewell speech.

“Ella is very excited to have handed over the title to Kylie and can’t wait to mentor her throughout the year,” said Katie Ward, director of DYW of Kingfi sher County.

“Both the girls connected quickly and looked like they have been lifelong friends as they talked and laughed about everything. Both of these ladies can light up a room with their smiles just by walking in. They are both pure joy.”

After being presented her medallion by Dierlam, Hood gave a speech on how grateful she is for the honor.

“I’m so thankful so many people showed up to support me,” Hood told the KT&FP.

Part of Hood’s future in the next year will be attending a fundraiser in January held by DYW of Oklahoma in Bartlesville.

There is also a “National Be Your Best Self Week” in April and Hood is planning events around the state for that.

The state program is also going to be putting Hood in touch with mentors throughout the year to perfect anything needed in the interview, fitness, talent and self expression categories for the national competition.

Closer to home, DYW of Kingfisher County is in the beginning stages of its annual program, which is usually held in November at which Hood will hand over one of her titles.

“Kylie is wanting to be a part of the whole process,” Ward said.