Delaware’s Distinguished Young Woman inspires

While most high school seniors are focused on their summer vaction plans, one Delaware senior is focused on giving back. That's partially because Grace Otley isn't like most her age, she is Delaware Distinguished Young Woman of the year.

Giving back has been something Otley has been doing since a young age. She continued that trend Thursday in Bridgeville speaking to students at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School.

 Otley uses the "Be Your Best Self Program"  centered on five pillars be healthy, be responsible, be ambitious, be studious and be involved.  Core values she chooses to live her life by for herself and so she can set a good example for those who look up to her.

"They're reflecting what you show so it's nerve wracking but it's mostly exciting cause I know that I'm being able to be given the chance to affect other people's lives and really that is what I love to do," Otley said.

 The kids took notice, each one hanging on her every word and leaving with something meaningful a new role model.

"She's cool and awesome," said fifth grader Kelsey Caldwell.

Thursday marked a special moment for more than the just the kids.  

Otley who was adopted from Vietnam when she was just one described her parents as her role models. They support her and travel with her to every event.

As Otley imparted wisdom to the next generation – they marveled at just how far their daughter has come.
 
"(We're) super proud over the top, she's been a dream for many, many years," said her dad Mike Otley.

 Otley will head out this June to compete for the title of National distinguished young woman of the year before she heads to University of Delaware in the fall.  

Otley says she hopes to one day become a broadcast journalist.