The stage is set for the young women who will vie for the honor of becoming Choctaw County’s 2023 Distinguished Young Woman. “Boots & Bling – It’s a Distinguished Thing” is the theme for this year’s coveted scholarship competition on Saturday evening, March 19 at the Ty Cobb Complex in Ackerman.
Five participants who attend Choctaw County High School have been in diligent preparations for well over a month. Annually sponsored by the GFWC Ackerman 20th Century Club, the local DYW program showcases scholarship, leadership, and talent, having had a presence in Choctaw County for over four decades. The overall winner will be selected based on a percentage scale comprised of scholastic achievement, judges’ interview, self-expression, talent, and fitness.
The DYW winner and runners-up will receive various significant scholarships and awards funded by an array of benefactors and sponsors.
“We proudly boast among the highest total for a local program in Mississippi and annually present some $9,500 in cash scholarships, full tuition for Holmes Community College, and $1,000 for Mississippi State University,” said Ginny Lucas, a former winner and long-time DYW coordinator who teaches at Ackerman Elementary School.
The 2023 local DYW contestants are:
--Leslie Fleming, the daughter of Roderick Fleming. At Choctaw County High School, she is a member of Chamber Choir and Madrigals. Beyond academics, she stays busy exercising, babysitting, watching movies, and with Bible study. After graduation, she plans to attend Itawamba Community College and then the University of Southern Mississippi. She hopes to become a psychotherapist. For the DYW competition, she will perform a vocal solo of “Easy on Me.” Her little sisters for the program are Aniyah Nash and Markeya Fleming.
--Maylee Hollis, the daughter of Will and Kristin Hollis. At Choctaw County High School, she plays varsity softball and volleyball and is a member of Chamber Choir, Madrigals, and Sextet. She is a member of the Student Government Association and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After graduation, she plans to attend East Mississippi Community College and later start her own cosmetology business. For the DYW competition, she will perform a vocal solo of “Rise Up.” Her little sisters for the program are Kara Hollis and Marlee Coleman.
--Lexus Sanders, daughter of Michael and Candice Collins. At Choctaw County High School, she is a member of the Beta Club, Health Occupations Students of America, chorus, the band, and color guard. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Mississippi and later become an attorney. For the DYW competition, she will perform a color guard routine to the song, “Jolene.” Her little sisters for the program are Cara Henson and Miley Dossett.
--Makenzie Sanders, the daughter of Mitch and Haley Sanders. At Choctaw County High School, she is a Junior Class Representative and a member of the Chamber Choir, Madrigals, and Sextet. She is a varsity cheerleader and plays varsity volleyball and softball. She is active with the Student Government Association and serves as a school office worker. Beyond academics, she is involved with her church youth group. After graduation, she plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in education. For the DYW competition, she will perform a dance routine set to “Way Down We Go.” Her little sisters for the program are Kate Beard and Kami Beard.
-- Molly Thomas, the daughter of Lance and Kim Thomas. She is the school mascot at Choctaw County High School and plays varsity softball and volleyball and competes in track and field. She is part of the high school choir, Madrigal/Chamber singers, and sextet. She is vice president of the Student Government Association, a student council member, and active with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Mississippi and major in elementary education. For the DYW competition, she will give a vocal performance of “All That Matters.” Her little sisters for the program are Mary Claire Salley and Evee Stevens.
Doors at the Ty Cobb Complex at Choctaw County High School will open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10, and program books are free. The Choctaw County DYW of Mississippi can be found online at choctaw.ms.distinguishedyw.org.
