Sep 28

Sep 28 North Lenoir's Rouse wins Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County

Founded in 1958 to reward the accomplishments of high school seniors seeking to pursue higher education, the Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County remains one of the largest and oldest scholarship programs of its kind for high school girls.

The decision was announced on a post on their Facebook that said, “The Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County Program proudly presents Anna Rouse, the Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County for 2021.”

Rouse, a North Lenoir student, received a $2,500 scholarship and medallion, a $500 dollar clothing allowance for the state program and a 16 x 20 portrait from Potter Photography. The Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County is part of a nationwide effort to recognize, reward, and encourage excellence and education among all young people. Seven senior girls representing South Lenoir, North Lenoir, and Kinston High competed for the scholarships.

First Runner-up Brianna Creech received a $1,250 scholarship and was also the Spirit Award recipient. She received a $500 scholarship presented by Jimmy and Daphne Pollock in honor of their daughters Molly and Ginny, and a plaque given by the Anne Hood Capps family.

The Preliminary Award Winners received $100 scholarships each:

Fitness - Gracie Reavis and Anna Rouse
Self-Expression - Brianna Creech and Anna Rouse
Talent - Michaela Williams and Gracie Reavis
Interview - Brianna Creech and Anna Rouse
Scholastics - Anna Rouse and Brianna Creech

Per their website, Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership, and talent in young women. Cash scholarships are awarded at the local level and millions in college-granted scholarships are available ($1 billion nationally). The program takes place in all 50 states and Washington DC with some states having local programs as well. Young women participate in either their junior or senior year of high school. Local winners will advance to the state program in Greensboro, NC where they give away more than $23,600.00 in cash tuition scholarships.

Distinguished Young Women is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors. Their group of community leaders makes policy decisions about the program, participates in fundraising, and helps keep the program running throughout the year.