The annual Distinguished Young Women of Oakdale program will be staged on Saturday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Magnolia School Auditorium in Oakdale. Soroptimist International of Oakdale has sponsored the scholarship program for the past 37 years. Oakdale High School senior Madison Mattos currently holds the title of Oakdale’s Distinguished Young Woman for the Class of 2025.
Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential.
Tickets for the March 1 program are $15 for adults and $6 for children and students and may be purchased online at sioakdale.org and at the event. The doors will open for tickets and seating at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Nancy Lilly at 209-607-7605 or Email oakdale@distinguishedyw.org
This year’s program features 14 participants from Oakdale High School’s Class of 2026: Avery Barcelos, Zoe Byron, Julia Chavez, Avery Gleason, Tatiana Gonzalez, Kennedy Hayden, Taylor Krum, Ava-Maria Leijten, Samantha Oliveira, Ashlyn Parola, London Pattan-Mitchell, Iyska Rangel, Hayden Taylor, and Hannah Turpin.
They will compete in five categories: Scholastics, Talent, Fitness, Interview, and Self Expression for the Distinguished Young Woman of Oakdale title as well as category and other scholarship awards. The participant selected as Oakdale’s Distinguished Young Woman will go on to compete in the Distinguished Young Women of California Class of 2026 program this summer.
The program will also showcase last year’s participants including Kimberly Espinoza-Belmonte, Jordan Birchall, Memphislynn Carr, Montserrat Garcia, Maddy Hammond, Leah Sales, and Emma Weber, in addition to Oakdale’s Distinguished Young Woman Madison Mattos.
This week, we highlight the first seven DYW Class of 2026 hopefuls; look for the remaining seven to be featured in the Feb. 26 issue.
Photos are provided courtesy of Antoinette Ryun.
Avery Barcelos
With an interest in biology and chemistry, following graduation from Oakdale High School, Avery would like to study to become a doctor, nurse, or biologist. Avery was honored with the Jostens Renaissance Student of the Month award. She enjoys serving her community and has helped with Cloverland Elementary School’s Family Fun Night, an Oakdale clothing drive, AP Biology Taco Drive, and Autumn Festival. In her free time, Avery enjoys dirt bike riding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and playing pickleball, as well as hosting parties with family and friends. Supporting Avery in all of her endeavors are her parents Ben and Melissa Barcelos and siblings Jordan and Alexis.
Zoe Byron
With aspirations to become a screenwriter, Zoe would like to attend the University of California, Irvine after graduation from Oakdale High School. On campus, Zoe participates on the varsity tennis team, Poetry Out Loud, and she founded the PREVIEW Club, an online student art journal. Zoe has participated in the Poet’s Corner Contest the past two years and currently serves as the 2024-2025 Youth Poet Laureate of Stanislaus County. Zoe volunteers her time as a math tutor and is interested in poetry, filmmaking, women’s rights, musical theater, and travel. Encouraging Zoe in all that she does are her parents Jon and Ivy Byron and brothers Elliott and Jack.
Julia Chavez
Following graduation from Oakdale High School, Julia would like to attend UC Davis and study to become a doctor. Active on the OHS campus, Julia has participated in Science Olympiad, Academic Decathlon, and Model UN. She is also a member of the cross country team. Julia received awards in State of California competitions earning 1st Place in speech and 3rd Place in interview. She also received 1st Place Awards in Stanislaus County for speech, art, social science, and literature. Recently, Julia volunteered as a counselor at Foothill Horizons 6th Grade Camp. Julia enjoys art and has volunteered her time face painting. Supporting Julia in all of her endeavors are her parents Anthony and Juana Chavez.
Avery Gleason
With an interest in film studies and production and theater performance, Avery aspires to have a career in the film industry. At Oakdale High School, Avery is a member of the varsity volleyball and basketball teams and participates in the Drama Club and Jazz Band. She also plays competitive soccer. Avery’s achievements include the Kiwanis Hope of America Award and she was recognized as Valley Oak League 1st Team All-League Varsity Volleyball and Girls Academy National Soccer Talent ID Selection, 2nd Place AAUW Stanislaus County Speech Trek, 2nd Place Stanislaus County Poetry Out Loud competition, and 1st Place Oakdale Drama Film competition. In her free time, Avery enjoys reading, playing sports, watching films, and staying involved in the present state of civil rights. Avery has volunteered her time at Oakdale volleyball youth camps and a Salvation Army Christmas drive. Encouraging Avery in all that she does is her mom Brandy Gleason, dad Steve Gleason, step dad Toby Stime, and siblings Gavin and Jonas.
Tatiana Gonzalez
Following graduation from Oakdale High School, Tatiana would like to attend a theatric college in Los Angeles with the career goal of working in theater and acting. Active on the OHS campus, Tatiana participates in the Drama Club, Choir, and plays tennis. Tatiana enjoys helping others through volunteer work, language learning, and sewing. She also enjoys American and Japanese cartoon shows, drawing/story making, alternative music, and alternative fashion. Supporting Tatiana in all of her endeavors are her parents Jose Gonzalez and Liza Avelar and sister Sophia.
Kennedy Hayden
Kennedy would like to attend Boise State University and major in business and marketing after graduation from Oakdale High School. Her career goal is to become a realtor as she would like to experience the connection with the families and the happiness of people buying their new homes and dream homes. Outside of school, Kennedy’s activities include singing, dancing, baking, and wake surfing. Kennedy’s community service includes volunteering with the Love Modesto Children’s Hospital garden project. In her free time, Kennedy enjoys writing, music, and art. Encouraging Kennedy in all of her endeavors is her father Amerik Hayden, mother Mindi McAllister, stepfather Nate McAllister, and siblings Brooke and Hudson.
Taylor Krum
Taylor would like to attend the University of Florida after graduation from Oakdale High School. Her career goals include becoming an architect or teacher. Taylor is on the Honor Roll at OHS, is a member of the Leadership class and Service Club, and currently serves as Junior Class President. She also participates on the OHS varsity volleyball team and received Best Offensive JV Volleyball Player (2022) and Best Defensive JV Volleyball Player (2023) awards. Recently, Taylor was selected 2025 Homecoming Queen. Taylor’s community service includes helping at an Upward Sports volleyball camp and Oakdale Junior High volleyball clinic. In her free time, Taylor enjoys playing volleyball, golf, boating, wake surfing, wake boarding, baking, and fashion. Cheering Taylor on are her parents Justin and Ivie Krum and siblings Caroline, Haidyn, and Evan.
Next week, look for profiles of Ava-Maria Leijten, Samantha Oliveira, Ashlyn Parola, London Pattan-Mitchell, Iyska Rangel, Hayden Taylor, and Hannah Turpin.
For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Carly Bragg, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, (251) 438-3621, Carly@DistinguishedYW.org, or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org. For more information about Soroptimist International of Oakdale, Email sioakdale@soroptimist.net or visit their website and Oakdale Soroptimist Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
