2016 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi: Thirty-four high school seniors to vie for state title
Published 4:00 am Sunday, July 19, 2015
Today, 34 high school girls from across the state will arrive in Meridian for a week of learning high-intensity dance routines, rehearsing, making special appearances, establishing lifelong friendships and having fun – all part of the 2016 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi (DYWM) Program.
For more than half a century, Meridian has served as sponsor of the state scholarship program, formerly Junior Miss of Mississippi. This year’s presentation is the 57th in the state’s history of the program, which, according to Hampton Thames, program co-chairman, was moved to Meridian in 1963.
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DYWM is an official state preliminary to America’s Distinguished Young Women, a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarships, leadership and talent in young women. In recent years, Mississippi’s scholarship program has totaled $42,500, making it the largest state package in the country, Thames said.
About DYW
According to the Distinguished Young Women of America website, the program’s mission is to positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent. Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments.
• By encouraging continued education and providing college scholarships
• By developing self-confidence and the abilities to interview effectively, to speak in public, to perform on stage and to build interpersonal relationships
• By encouraging and showcasing excellence in academic achievement, physical fitness, on-stage performance skills, and the ability to think and communicate clearly
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• By creating opportunities to beneficially inspire the lives of others
One aspect of Distinguished Young Women that allows participants to reach out to youth in communities throughout the country is Be Your Best Self program.
Through Be Your Best Self, Distinguished Young Women participants encourage young people nationwide to make a commitment to being their best selves in areas such as academics, physical fitness, morality, character, and social and civic participation. According to the DYW’s website, embracing the BYBS message empowers young people with valuable tools to face the challenges of negative peer pressure. Drawing on their own personal experiences, Distinguished Young Women program participants deliver helpful messages emphasizing the importance of setting goals and striving to reach them.
5 Elements of the Be Your Best Self Program
• Be Healthy – Be physically fit and drug free.
• Be Involved – Serve your community.
• Be Studious – Stay in school.
• Be Ambitious – Set and achieve goals.
• Be Responsible – Live by moral and ethical principles.
A week of work and fun
Shortly upon their arrival today, the contenders will undergo orientation, then meet their Host Families before saying goodbye to their families and friends. Later tonight, a Host Family Night activity will be held.
Monday morning, the girls will begin a fast-paced week of rehearsals and other events, including a theme party, local appearances, a Judges’ Party and interviews.
The Temple Theater will be the setting for the three nights of competition, which begin Thursday and culminate Saturday with the name of a new state titleholder. Contestants in the state program are evaluated by a judges panel using the same criteria as the national program: scholastics (25 percent of overall score), interview (25 percent of overall score), talent (20 percent of overall score), fitness (15 percent of overall score) and self-expression 15 percent of overall score).
Contestants are divided into two groups: The first group will perform talent on the first night of competition, while the second group will compete in self-expression and fitness. On the second night, the groups will alternate areas of competition.
The Top Ten Finalists will be announced on the final night of competition. From the group, the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi winner will be presented her Distinguished Young Woman medallion by 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi titleholder Tanner Fant.
The 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi titleholder will advance to the National Finals in Mobile next year. There, they will spend two weeks getting to know outstanding girls from across the country, engaging in community service and team development activities, and preparing for the National Finals competition. All state representatives will compete for a share of more than $130,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the national program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America.
The 2016 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi, are:
Georgia Lee Ann Milton, Carroll County
High School: Carroll Academy
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Talent: Monologue
Parents: Bo and Shonda Milton
Kyla Grace Perry, Choctaw County
High School: French Camp Academy
College Choice: Mississippi College or Mississippi State
Career Goals: Optometry
Talent: Vocal, “Don’t Forget Me”
Parents: David and Stacie Perry
Shana Nicole Lee, Clarke County
High School: Wayne Academy
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Occupational Therapist
Talent: Contemporary Dance, “Tee Shirt” by Birdy
Parents: Steven and Becky Lee
Genesis Alexandria Johnson, Clinton
High School: Clinton High School
College Choice: Xavier University, New Orleans, La.
Career Goals: Neonatologist or Art Buyer a Major Corporation
Talent: Vocal, “Feelin’ Good” by Nina Simone
Parents: Jonathan Johnson
Kelsey Elizabeth Ashley, Covington County
High School: Seminary High School
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Veterinary Medicine
Talent: Lyrical Dance, “Strong Enough” by Stacie Orrico
Parents: Clint and Alice Ashley
Natalie Marguerite Newton, East Jackson County
High School: Home School
College Choice: Wheaton College
Career Goals: Educational Policy and Reform, Music
Talent: Piano, Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto #2, Mvt. 3”
Parents: David and Amanda Newton
Sarah Shaunak Henderson, Forrest County
High School: Presbyterian Christian High School
College Choice: University of Virginia, Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Undecided
Talent: Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude in G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5”
Parents: Randy and Anita Henderson
Aren Kendall Watts, Gautier
High School: Gautier High School
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Allergist
Talent: Vocal Performance, “In My Own Little Corner”
Parents: Sasha Watts and Danny Watts
Ragan Anna-Lee Riley, George County
High School: George County High School
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Medical Field
Talent: Dance-Jazz/Acro, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”
Parents: Annette and Teddy Riley
Allison RayLeigh Williams, Greene County
High School: Greene County High School
College Choice: William Carey University
Career Goals: Elementary Education
Talent: Piano, “Solfeggieto” by C.P.E. Bach
Parents: Ronald and Leigh Williams
Emily Grace Box, Hinds County
High School: Jackson Preparatory School
College Choice: Belmont University
Career Goals: Social Services
Talent: Vocal, “Think of Me” from “Phantom of the Opera”
Parents: Sharon and John David Box
Ashlynn Rayne Breland, Jones County
High School: South Jones High School
College Choice: Jones County Junior College and The Art Institute of Houston, Texas
Career Goals: Modeling and Fashion Design/Marketing
Talent: Vocal, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
Parents: Nathan and Kimberly Breland
Caroline Elizabeth Glaze, Lamar County
High School: Oak Grove High School
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Veterinary Medicine
Talent: Vocal, “Feelin’ Good”
Parents: Tim and Laurie Glaze
Cameron Lexia Harper, Lauderdale County
High School: Northeast Lauderdale High School
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Child Psychiatrist
Talent: Jazz Dance, “My Strongest Suit”
Parents: Tammie Pirie and Chris Harper
Sydney Ogletree, Leake County
High School: Leake Academy
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Elementary Teacher
Talent: Vocal, “Show Off” from “The Drowsy Chaperone”
Parents: Brad and Mikki Ogletree
Sarah James Sproles, Lincoln County
High School: Brookhaven High School
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Elementary Education, minor in Political Science
Talent: Vocal, “Good Morning, Baltimore” from “Hairspray”
Parents: Tommy and JoAnna Sproles
Evelyn Claire McIntyre, Lowndes County
High School: Heritage Academy
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Medical Doctor
Talent: Vocal, “Vanilla Ice Cream” by Jerry Boch and Sheldon Harnick
Parents: Dr. and Mrs. Mike McIntyre
Anna Kathryn Daniels, Madison County
High School: Madison Ridgeland Academy
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Attorney
Talent: Vocal, “They Just Keep Moving the Line” from “SMASH”
Parents: Steve and Dana Daniels
Anna Caitlyn Slocum Johnson, Marion County
High School: Columbia High School
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Speech Pathologist
Talent: Swing Tap Dance, “Btown Boogie”
Parents: Jeff and Tami Johnson
Avery Jane Watson, Meridian County
High School: Lamar High School
College Choice: Tulane University
Career Goals: Biomedical Engineering, Dermatology
Talent: Piano, “Rustle of Spring” composed by Christian Sinding
Parents: Dr. James and Mrs. Lisa Watson
Miriam Grace Seale, Neshoba County
High School: Neshoba Central High School
College Choice: Mississippi State University/UMMC
Career Goals: Biology/Radiology
Talent: Lyrical Dance, “Listen” by Beyonce
Parents: Steve and Tina Seale
Makaeya Daniele Brock, Newton County
High School: Newton County High School
College Choice: East Central Community College
Career Goals: Visual and/or Performing Arts
Talent: Vocal, “Smile”
Parents: Scott and Daniele Brock
Zoie Isabelle Mestayer, Pascagoula
High School: Resurrection Catholic High School
College Choice: University of Alabama or University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Lawyer
Talent: Vocal and Ukulele, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ by Carol King
Parents: Roland and Suzie Mestayer
Abigail Claire Montgomery, Pearl River County
High School: Picayune Memorial High School
College Choice: Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi
Career Goals: Special Education, Minor in Dance
Talent: Lyrical Interpretive Dance, “Awakening” from “Waking Up (Instrumental Outro)”
Parents: Mike and Robyn Montgomery
Samantha Denise Burkeen, LeBonte Literary Club of Petal
High School: Petal High School
College Choice: University of Southern Mississippi
Career Goals: Nursing
Talent: Vocal, “Big Time”
Parents: Joey and Shannon Burkeen
Leighton Cobb Freeman, Pike County
High School: Parklane Academy
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Physical Therapy
Talent: Tumbling Routine, “Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo.”
Parents: Chuck and Becky Freeman
Sarah Hamilton Ridgway, Rankin County
High School: Northwest Rankin High School
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Medical Field
Talent: Dance, “Human” by Christina Perri/Skylar Stecker
Parents: Carol and Jack Ridgway
Alana Brooke Atkison, Scott County
High School: Forest High School
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Biomedical Engineer
Talent: Piano, Original arrangement of “Sabre Dance” and “Sword Dance”
Parents: Allan and Lynn Atkison
Allena Claire Boyd, Smith County
High School: Raleigh High School
College Choice: Mississippi College and UMMC
Career Goals: Ministry Studies and Anesthesiology
Talent: Trumpet Instrumental, “Georgia On My Mind”
Parents: Richmond and Pamela Boyd
Marlee Catherine Maples, Starkville
High School: Starkville Academy
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Talent: Vocal, “Defying Gravity”
Parents: Randy and Vicki Maples
Emily Patricia Revette, Wayne County
High School: Wayne County High School
College Choice: University of Southern Mississippi
Career Goals: Physical Therapist
Talent: Dance, “Broadway Baby”
Parents: Patrick and Paula Revette
Micah Denean Gray, Webster County
High School: French Camp Academy
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Medical Sonography
Talent: Vocal, “When You Believe”
Parents: The Rev. and Mrs. Travis Gray
Sally Reid Boswell, West Jackson County
High School: Ocean Springs High School
College Choice: University of Mississippi
Career Goals: Tax Attorney
Talent: Piano, “Polonaise in A Major, Opus 40, No. 1” by Frederic Chopin
Parents: Todd and Robin Boswell
Kenley Madison McMullan, Winston County
High School: Nanih Waiya High School
College Choice: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Education
Talent: Piano, “Malaguena” by Ernesto Lecuona
Parents: Ken and Leigh McMullan
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