Thirty-four Mississippi high school seniors will compete for more than $28,900 in college scholarships when the 2023 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi Program gets under way Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Meridian, MS. The state program is now in its 66th year celebrating and spotlighting outstanding achievements of the state’s best and brightest high school girls. The three nights of competition at The Evangel Temple Church concludes on Saturday, July 16. The doors open nightly at 6:30 p.m. and each show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. for the three-night event.
“We are extremely excited about this year’s program,” said Sid Wilkinson, State Chairman of the Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi Program. “The program celebrates the outstanding achievements of today’s young women and offers them cash scholarship opportunities to further their education.”
While in Meridian the week of July 10-16 the Distinguished Young Women participants are involved in rehearsals, community service activities, a night at HYPE, an autograph party at Belle G, dinner with the judges at the MAX and a Red Carpet Party. During the nights of the showcase they are evaluated on fitness, self-expression, talent, and interview. A separate panel of judges review the scholastic records.
Last year, Christina Danford, The Distinguished Young Woman for Forrest County, took the title of The Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi for 2022 and $6,800 in cash scholarships. She was awarded the Brainstorm Overall talent award, a preliminary award in fitness and a preliminary award in scholastics. We wish her the best at the Distinguished Young Women National Finals June 14-16 in Mobile, Alabama.
Reserved tickets for the 2023 Distinguished Young Women Program are available for $65 for a three-night package. General admission tickets are available for $50 for a three-night package, or may be purchased for individual evenings: $20, Thursday; $20, Friday; and $25, Saturday. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 27, by calling 601-480-3438. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are welcomed.
About Distinguished Young Women
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 Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management, the Coffeen Family, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Tara Principe, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Tara@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.
