Tao Named Distinguished Young Woman

Creativity, authenticity, and drive yield rich rewards for Elise Tao, a Harvard-bound Holy Angels senior and brand new Distinguished Young Woman of New Jersey.

“I am so excited to let you know that I placed first in the Distinguished Young Women of New Jersey competition and I am now the 2024 Distinguished Young Woman of New Jersey!” the Upper Saddle River resident shared.

As the 2024 titlist, Tao received a $1,000 scholarship toward her studies at Harvard, and an invitation to the 67^th DYW National Finals set for June 27-29 in Mobile, Alabama. She also earned an additional $600, which represents three $200 awards for winning the state-level scholastics, interview, and self-expression events. Candidates are also evaluated on the basis of talent and fitness.

Tao’s intensity and love for language shone through in the self-expression event, where she discussed her theoretical, personal hashtag: myvoicemypower. Words, she noted, empower, inspire positive change, and allow others to recognize critical issues. This Angel speaks up for Students Demand Action, making public presentations about the pain of gun violence. Her elite honors include becoming a Disney Dreamer and earning acceptance to prestigious journalism workshops. Tao shares her creative writing at AHA and through “Synthesis Publications,” the literary magazine she launched four years ago.

“I want to continue to break the standard with my voice – or otherwise, my power,” Tao said. “It is the one thing I hope every girl can use to truly make a mark on the world and become the heroines I know we are.” As New Jersey’s Distinguished Young Woman, Tao plans to speak for those who are unable to do so.

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many backgrounds. Visit https://holyangels.org to learn more.