Distinguished Young Women Program set for this weekend
The 2024 Distinguished Young Woman program will be held in the Neshoba Central Elementary School Auditorium on Saturday, March 9, starting at 6 p.m.
Each year, junior girls compete through a series of challenges involving physical fitness, talent, and interviewing skills. Girls who win the competition receive cash prizes and college scholarships, along with a chance to represent their county and state.
Meet the participants:
• Participant #1 is Leigh Allyn Stroud.
Leigh Allyn is the daughter of Allen and Jessica Stroud.
College Preference: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Education
High School: Neshoba Central High School
Talent: Piano — “Valse Dramatico” by Melody Bober
• Participant #2 is Madalyn Young.
Madalyn is the daughter of Palmer and Mallory Thompson Young.
College Preference: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Broadcast Meteorology
High School: Neshoba Central High School
Talent: Contemporary Dance — “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
• Participant #3 is Calleigh Weems.
Calleigh is the daughter of Matthew and Angel Weems.
College Preference: William Carey University
Career Goals: Music Therapy
High School: Neshoba Central High School
Talent: Vocal — “She Used to be Mine” by Waitress
• Participant #4 is Marlee Washington.
Marlee is the daughter of Mangold and Melonie Washington.
College Preference: Spelman College or Tougaloo College
Career Goals: Pediatrics
High School: Neshoba Central High School
Talent: Acro-Dance Routine — “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
• Participant #5 is Gabrielle Spire.
Gabbi is the daughter of Stephen and Chantel Spire.
College Preference: East Central Community College
Career Goals: Cosmetology and Esthetician
High School: Neshoba Central High School
Talent: Piano — “Polonaise in G Minor” by Chopin
• Participant #6 is Sarah Renee Richardson.
Sarah is the daughter of Duane Richardson and Michelle Jenkins.
College Preference: University of Kentucky
Career Goals: Business Administration and Law
High School: Philadelphia High School
Talent: Dance — “Mixtapes (Single Ladies/Diva)” by Beyoncé
• Participant #7 is Sarah Alice Fulton.
Sarah is the daughter of Rob and Rozane Fulton.
College Preference: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Journalism
High School: Homeschool
Talent: Vocal — “On My Own” by Les Miserables
• Participant #8 is Shelby Rudolph.
Shelby is the daughter of Walt and Julie Rudolph.
College Preference: Mississippi State University
Career Goals: Pediatric Dentistry
High School: Leake Academy
Talent: Piano — “Argentina!” by Catherine Rollin
• Participant #9 is Anslie Flake.
Anslie is the daughter of Justin and Lacie Flake.
College Preference: East Central Community College
Career Goals: Elementary Education
High School: Neshoba Central High School
Talent: Dance — “Rainbow”
Tickets for the program will be sold at the door: $15 for general admission and $10 for students. Program books will also be available for $5.
To find out more about the Distinguished Young Woman program, visit www.distinguishedyw.org.