(Photograph by Potter Photography)

The Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County program proudly presents Anna Rouse, Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County for 2021, in its annual program which will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 25, 2021  in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kinston High School. Rouse is currently a freshman at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is the daughter of Eric and Alice Rouse.

Amy Floyd Whitfield will emcee the program, “Brand New Day” as the participants enjoy performing to a variety of tunes inspiring positive vibes for better days that lie ahead. Sponsored by the La Grange Rotary Club, the program is under the direction of Mia Heath, Ginny Moody and choreographer Jennifer Tyndall.

“Because of its high standards and numerous opportunities for high school seniors, the Distinguished Young Women Program is considered one of the nation’s major youth programs and has gained the approval of educators, parents, and civic leaders,” Heath said. “This program focuses on the achievements of youth.”

The local program is part of a nationwide effort to recognize, reward, and encourage excellence and education among all young people. Four senior girls will compete for scholarship money to help further their education and  gifts donated by local merchants. 

Participants in the 2022 program include:

McKinley McLawhorn, daughter of Beverly and Samuel McLawhorn, sponsored by National Land Realty; Macy Sanderson, daughter of Millicent and Petey Sanderson, sponsored by Petey’s Pawn Shop; Addison Hudson, daughter of Desta and Sammy Hudson, sponsored by The Refuge; and  Natalie Dail, daughter of Candice and Robb Dail, sponsored by Liberty Christian Academy.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management, Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Tara Principe, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Tara@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org. 

The 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County will be selected by a panel of individuals representing a broad range of backgrounds and interests. Evaluation in the local program will be based on the following standards, which are also used on the state and national levels: interviews, 25%; scholastics, 25%; fitness, 15%; talent, 20%; and self-expression, 15%.

The 2022 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County, along with other local winners from across the state, will compete in the state program January 28 and 29, 2022 in Greensboro. The state winner will then travel to Mobile, Alabama in June for the national finals. The 2022 National Finals will be held in June of 2022.

Numerous area businesses and individuals have contributed scholarship money to this program including: Dr. and Mrs. Kent Denton; Southern Bank of La Grange; Jimmy and Daphne Pollock; Ray and Marian Kennedy; Foss Recycling; Stacie and Frederick Smith; Woodmen of the World; David and Ginny Moody; and Modular Solutions.. Other businesses have generously supported the program with donations and by giving of their time.  These businesses include:  Potter Photography, the Kinston Daily Free Press, the Weekly Gazette, Neuse News, and the Anne Hood Capps family.

Tickets to the program may be purchased for $20 by contacting any participant or Mia Heath. Tickets will also be available at the door. At the event a variety of measures will be implemented in an effort to keep everyone safe. Social distancing and masks will be required as part of CDC guidelines and Lenoir County Health Department requirements for Lenoir County Public Schools activities.