The Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County program proudly presents Adyson Whaley, Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County for 2023, in its annual program which will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023  in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kinston High School. Whaley is currently a freshman at North Carolina State University and is the daughter of Bevan and Ginger Whaley.

Brandy Burd will emcee the program, “Rockin’ Into the Night” as the participants enjoy performing to a variety of rock and roll tunes as they rock the night away.  Sponsored by the La Grange Rotary Club, the program is under the direction of Mia Heath, Allyson Heath 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. Seven senior girls  will compete for  scholarship money to help further their education and gifts donated by local merchants. 

Participants in the 2024 program include:

Gabby Smith, daughter of KiKi and Darryl Tindley, sponsored by Kinston Teens, Inc.; Tiyah Chapman, daughter of Starsheema and Trez Chapman, sponsored by 1st Choice Care LLC; Leanna Kivett, daughter of Shannon and Chip Kivett, sponsored by White Owl Parts Co. Inc.; Shamiah Hall, daughter of Egbert Hall and Shellemiah Graham, sponsored by BluFoodz LLC Subway Hwy 70; Grayson Lynch, daughter of Chasity and Patrick Lynch, sponsored by Studio 86; Kalyn Brock, daughter of Joy and Grady Brock, sponsored by Spicer Financial Group; and Caitlin Waters, daughter of Gwen and Chris Maravelas and Charlie Waters, sponsored by Magnolia Cottage Care. 

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 2024 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 2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County, along with other local winners from across the state, will compete in the state program  January 26 and 27, 2024 in Greensboro. The state winner will then travel to Mobile, Alabama in June for the national finals. The 2024 National Finals will be held on June 27, 28, and 29.

Numerous area businesses and individuals have contributed scholarship money to this program including: Senator Jim Perry, Dr. and Mrs. Kent Denton, Southern Bank of La Grange, Ray and Marian Kennedy, Foss Recycling, Woodmen of the World, Kings Restaurant, Modular Solutions, Mellany Davis, Jimmy and Daphne Pollock, and Bevan, Ginger, and Alex Whaley in honor of 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County, Adyson Whaley. Also contributing to the scholarship fund is The Legacy Society formed by former participants, parents, family members and friends of our DYW family.  Other businesses have generously supported the program with donations and by giving of their time.  These businesses include:  Martha Peoples Photography, Brittany Smith Photography, Flourish Marketing, The Laughing Owl Restaurant in Kinston, Allie Waller, Allie Cantu, 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.