The Clarke County Distinguished Young Women Program for 2024 was held Saturday Night, February 4th, 2023, at the Quitman High School Auditorium. Seven young ladies vied for the title of DYW 2024, in hopes of representing our county at the State Program in July.
“Ladies of the Future” was the overall theme for the evening, with dance numbers and fitness routine choreographed by committee members Shelby Avera, Kate Boman, and Jana Fleming. It was a fun, energetic night, and you could see that the ladies were well-prepared for all aspects of the program.
At end of the evening, $11,000 in scholarships were awarded, thanks to the generous support of our community as sponsors and advertisers in the program book. Winners were:
Ava Parker – Clarke County Distinguished Young Woman 2024, Overall Scholastics, Overall Talent, Overall Self-Expression, BYBS Essay Award, Spirit Award, and 3rd Most Ad Sales – total scholarships $6,600
Madelyn Davis – 1st Alternate and Overall Fitness – total scholarships $2,300
Nykeria Watson – 2nd Alternate and 2nd Most Ad Sales – total scholarships $1,150
Anna Grace Culbreth – 3rd Alternate and Most Ad Sales – total scholarships $950
The committee was very happy to welcome several new sponsors this year for the participants’ interviews and the judges’ dinner.
The Trotter House, a beautiful historic antebellum home built in 1852, was restored and serves the community and surrounding area as a venue for weddings, parties, and other special events. This beautiful home was accentuated with flowers for our program event by long-time sponsor, Fantasy Cottage Flowers and Gifts. Dianne Holloman catered delicious food for the dinner, which was organized by Shelby Avera, Kate Boman, and Emily Mercer.
Committee Chairman Mona Odom wishes to express sincere thanks to her committee and our community for their support of this worthy cause. She stated, “I truly believe in this program and believe it helps young women find parts of themselves that they didn’t know existed. I hope each girl feels she found ‘her best self’ during the past few months that we spent with them, and I wish them the absolute best for their futures!”
