Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County program scheduled for Saturday
The Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County program proudly presents Macy Sanderson, Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County for 2022, in its annual program which will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2022 in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kinston High School. Sanderson is currently a freshman at East Carolina University and is the daughter of Millicent and Petey Sanderson.
Brandy Burd will emcee the program, “Country Roundup” as the participants enjoy performing to a variety of tunes reminding us that there is a little bit of country in all of us. 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. Eight senior girls will compete for scholarship money to help further their education and gifts donated by local merchants.
Participants in the 2023 program include:
Morgan Wade, daughter of Ginny and Chuck Wade, sponsored by Neuse Sports Shop; Samantha Peyton, daughter of Becky and David Peyton, sponsored by Tand’s Inc./Bojangles; Sydney McLawhorn, daughter of Beverly and Samuel McLawhorn, sponsored by Realo Discount Drug in Kinston; Janae Brown, daughter of Evelyn Brown and the late Cornelius Brown, sponsored by LS Events; Mary Anna Respess, daughter of Pam and Gil Respess, sponsored by King’s Restaurant; Mary Carson Head, daughter of Anna and Jason Head, sponsored by Hookerton Family Practice; Hailey Rochelle, daughter of Jessica Bryant, sponsored by Studio 86; and Adyson Whaley, daughter of Ginger and Bevan Whaley, sponsored by Paul Davis Restoration.
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 2023 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 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County, along with other local winners from across the state, will compete in the state program January 27 and 28, 2023 in Greensboro. The state winner will then travel to Mobile, Alabama in June for the national finals. The 2023 National Finals will be held in June of 2023.
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;LaGrange Chamber of Commerce; 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 Laughing Owl Restaurant in Kinston, Smokin’ Bones BBQ Rubs, Southern Sugar Bakery, The Peach House, 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.
