After a lapse of several years The Distinguished Young Women Program has been resurrected in Simpson County and will feature four young women who are currently high school juniors from this area.
The event is set for 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Boswell Auditorium on the Boswell Regional Center campus. Tickets are available at the door for $10.
Reigning Distinguished Young Woman Sadie Moody of Magee will entertain. Former Simpson County Junior Miss Anna Lauren Brown Little will emcee.
Bringing the program back to the county was the “brain child” of former Junior Miss Becca Byrd Bridges and her mother, Judy Byrd. “I wanted other girls to have the opportunity I had,” said Bridges. “This program made such an impact on me when I participated.”
DYW board members are Judy Byrd, Dollie Tutor, Brittany Warren, Lindsey Gordon, Amanda Broadhead, Cameron McAlpin, Leslie May and Becca Bridges.
Formerly called the Junior Miss program, DYW is a national scholarship program designed to inspire high school girls to develop their full individual potential, participate in a showcase of their accomplishments and have an opportunity to further their education and prepare for a successful future.
Each Distinguished Young Women program evaluates participants in the following categories: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%), and Self-Expression (15%). Local program winners, in states where locals are available, advance to the state level. All state winners participate in the National Finals in Mobile, Ala.
Kennedy Hanna, 16, is the daughter of Joe and Misty Hanna. She has studied piano for 9 years. Kennedy attends Mendenhall High School, where she is very active in many organizations. She is co-captain of the cheerleading squad, a member of the Mendenhall Tiger Pride Marching Band, and a member of the archery team. Kennedy is also student body secretary, vice president of Mu Alpha Theta, and 11th grade representative of Beta Club. She is a member of FBLA, FCCLA, National Honors Society, and HOSA. She has also been selected for Future Leaders of Simpson County 2018. Kennedy has been a Superintendent’s Scholar all three years of high school. She attends Corinth Baptist Church and is active in her youth group. After high school, Kennedy plans to pursue a degree in the medical field from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kaitlyn Martin, the daughter of Jeremy and Keri Martin and Grae and Brooke Roberts, is 16 years old. She attends Puckett High School, where she is president of the Junior Class and has been a cheerleader for the past four years. After graduation, Kaitlyn plans to continue her education at Jones County Junior College for four semesters and then pursue a degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Candice McCullum, daughter Alexander "Candy" McCullum and Felisha McCullum, is 16 years old and attends Mendenhall High School. Candice is active in many organizations at school such as band, cheerleading, FCCLA, softball, FFA, DECA, National Honor Society, Wellness Committee, and Student Government. She is also part of the music ministry at her church, Greater Dry Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. When Candice finishes high school, she plans to attend Jackson State University and major in marketing.
Macy Kate Greer is the daughter of Kelly and Lisa Greer of Mendenhall. She attends Florence High School, where she is an active member of numerous organizations. Macy Kate is co captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, a Student Council representative, and an anchor for the Florence High Newscast. She is a member of the athletic training team, HOSA, Mu Alpha Theta, and the FCA Leadership Team. Macy Kate attends First Baptist Church of Mendenhall and is active in her youth group. Her plans are to attend Mississippi College and pursue a degree in athletic training.
