Bremen High School Students Aim for College and Excel in Illinois Competition

Two students from Bremen High School, Maya Contreras and Sophia Lara, are poised to be the first in their families to attend college. These bright young women have been named the 2027 Distinguished Young Women of Illinois and are gearing up to compete further in the national program. Their families, originating from Mexico, are hardworking but face financial challenges. Scholarships, along with their participation in the Distinguished Young Women of Illinois program, are critical to achieving their educational goals.

Maya Contreras: Pursuing Digital Media and More

Maya Contreras, from Midlothian, is actively involved in various school activities. She volunteers at the school’s Braves Closet, which provides necessities to students. Also, she supports mental health initiatives at her school. Known for her kindness, Contreras advanced to the state competition. “I always give people a chance,” she stated, emphasizing the impact of kindness.

The competition allowed her to connect with new people and highlight her dancing skills in Mexican folklore, particularly from the state of Nayarit. This art form is closely tied to her heritage, as her parents hail from Jalisco, Mexico. Besides dancing, Contreras contributes to several school clubs and activities, such as the National Honor Society, PEP club, and the Student Council. She also helped establish the school’s mariachi band and participates in theater, the jazz ensemble, and runs cross country.

Her career interests lie in digital media and communication, influenced by her mother’s work in information technology. Her father works as a mechanic. Yet, she also has aspirations in acting. Tiana Pequette, the chairwoman of Distinguished Young Women of Illinois, praised Contreras for her captivating Mexican Folklorico dance and interview skills, which impressed the judges.

Sophia Lara: Advancing in Healthcare and Dance

Sophia Lara, hailing from Posen, expressed her excitement about progressing to the state level. At Bremen, she participates in athletics and dance, including the step team, which challenges her to display emotion, energy, and precision. She also dances with the Fuego dance group.

Lara has gained confidence and poise through these activities. She is also a DECA state finalist and serves on the Student Council executive board, playing varsity soccer and POMS squad. Her dedication to healthcare led her to the Medicina Academy Apprentice Program at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she took part in research classes. This summer, she will participate in a research study at Anne and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital.

During her Distinguished Young Women of Illinois interview, Lara focused on advocating for more resources for Black and Mexican-born children with asthma on the South Side, inspired by her mother’s experience with the condition. Lara sees the significance of breathing in both sports and life, aspiring to become a respiratory therapist. She attributes her ambitions to her parents, particularly her mother, who works with disabled and immigrant children.

The judges commended Lara not only for her dance talent but also for her communication skills. Pequette noted her powerful step dance routine and clear articulation of her goals. The finalists from the south suburbs, including Sara Ocampo and Tuleen Duweik from Andrew High School, are seen as future American leaders by Pequette.

The finalists will receive coaching and experience ahead of the showcase on July 26 at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. Tickets are available to the public, and an awards ceremony will follow with scholarships. Those crowned as the 2027 Distinguished Young Women of Illinois have the opportunity to compete in the national finals in Mobile, Alabama in June 2027 for additional scholarships.