By Jenae Peterson, Austin Daily Herald

AUSTIN — Although Molly Kestner did not win the Distinguished Young Woman national title, she did come home with a different award in late June.

After winning the state title, Molly was 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. She joined 49 contestants for two weeks in Mobile, Ala., completing community service projects and interacting with the Gulf Coast community through various events. They finished with a three-night competition for the national title. Although she was not the overall winner, Molly did receive the Spirit Award.

The 50 contestants vote for the participant they feel has shown the best character and personality, and who reached out to others the most over the two-week period, and Molly won.

Molly’s mother, Mary Jane Kestner, said winning this award was a huge honor for Molly.

“That made her feel very good, very proud,” Mary said.

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

Molly could not be reached for comment.