The Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County program proudly presents Caitlin Waters, Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County for 2024, in its annual program which will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024 in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kinston High School. Waters is currently a freshman at Meredith College and is the daughter of Gwen and Chris Maravelas and Charlie Waters.

Jennifer Sutton will emcee the program, “Distinguished Young Women are Broadway Bound” as the participants enjoy performing to a variety of Broadway tunes as they dance 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. Nine senior girls will compete for scholarship money to help further their education and gifts donated by local merchants.

Participants in the 2025 program include:

Michaela Philyaw, daughter of Heather Philyaw and Ron Daughety, sponsored by Members of the Sandy Bottom Volunteer Fire Department; Lilli Daughety, daughter of Jenny and Danny Daughety, sponsored by Rice Monuments; Samantha Moore, daughter of Maria and Michael Moore, sponsored by M & W Construction; Rachel Noble, daughter of Joseph and Jessica Noble, sponsored by National Land Realty; JayShaynna Kittrell, daughter of Sheila and Tavares Kittrell, sponsored by Supreme Choice Healthcare; Melissa Espino, daughter of Jessica Real Romero and Agustin Espino, sponsored by Jeff Howard Insurance Agency; Kayla Britt, daughter of Jonathan and Stacy Britt, sponsored by Williams Tree Service; Jasmine Raines, daughter of Chris and Claudia Raines, sponsored by CSS Neuse Foundation; and Kassidy Loftin, daughter of Bruce and Beth Loftin, sponsored by Neuse Barbell Club.

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 Mobile County, City of Mobile, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Alabama Power Foundation, Gant Travel Management, Regions Financial Corporation, The Coffeen Family, John Cauley Jeweler, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.

This year we have exciting news to share with our community. For the first time in program history we will select two representatives to represent Lenoir County at the State Program. We will name a 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County and a 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Kinston. Both of these young ladies will have the opportunity to represent our community at the state program. These ladies 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 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County and the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Kinston, along with other local winners from across the state, will compete in the state program January 24 and 25, 2025 in Greensboro. The state winner will then travel to Mobile, Alabama in June for the national finals. The 2025 National Finals will be held on June 26, 27, and 28.

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, Modular Solutions, Mellany Davis, Jimmy and Daphne Pollock, Ginny and David Moody, 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 and individuals include: Brittany Smith Photography, Grounded and Baked, Nana’s Catering, Emily Dawson Davis, 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.