On Saturday, June 25, Katelyn Cai of Scottsdale was named the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2022 and presented with a cash scholarship of $40,000 at the conclusion of the 65th Distinguished Young Women National Finals.

Cai earned preliminary scholarship awards in the fitness, talent, self-expression, interview and scholastics categories along with a satellite award totaling $46,000 in additional cash scholarships.

Following a selection process that began in her home state of Arizona, Cai began preparing for the 65th annual scholarship competition. The competition was held at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Ala., and Thursday, June 23, was the first preliminary night of competition.

In addition to serving as the national representative of Distinguished Young Women for the next year, Cai will attend Duke University and pursue a career in legislature as a public servant.

Cai is a graduate of BASIS Scottsdale. She is the daughter of Jenny Zheng and Will Cai.

Other participants receiving top awards in the 2022 Distinguished Young Women National Finals include first runner-up Julianne Abenoja of Birmingham, Ala., second runner-up Cynthia Lu of Brookfield Wis., and third runner-up Isabel Xue of Wayland, Mass.

During the three-day competition, $153,000 in cash scholarships was awarded.