Kiersen Easley will join fellow Class of 2022 Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of Mississippi winners as they vie for the state title next week in Meridian. Since the Ackerman native won at the local level in February, she has been busy preparing for the July 22-23 DYW state program.
“I’m very excited to represent Choctaw County at the DYW state program,” said Easley, who will be a senior at Choctaw County High School this fall. “I’m looking forward to the experience, becoming friends with the 28 other girls, and lending my encouragement to them, all while competing at my best level.”
For Easley, her interest in DYW began several years ago.
“My connection and interest in DYW started in ninth grade when I was selected as a program little sister for an older friend. By later entering the program myself, I was hoping it could help me in the same positive way, bringing me confidence. So far, that is exactly the impact I have received from my local participation,” said Easley.
Annually, the DYW program showcases scholarship, leadership and talent, having had a presence in Choctaw County for over four decades. The overall winner is selected based on a percentage scale comprised of scholastic achievement, judges’ interview, self-expression, talent and fitness.
“We are thrilled Kiersen will represent Choctaw County at the DYW state program. She has been preparing for several months and will compete next week with a lot of encouragement from proud family and friends and from our organization,” said Ginny McGlothin Lucas, longtime organizer for the GFWC Ackerman 20th Century Club and former DYW winner who teaches sixth grade at Ackerman Elementary School.
As the 2022 Choctaw County recipient, Easley plans to complete high school and then utilize her $4,500 in scholarships and awards from the local competition for her college education. She hopes to attend the Mississippi University for Women and become a registered nurse.
“I’ve always wanted a career in the health-care field, and I’m grateful for the generous scholarships that will help me follow that dream,” she said.
Easley will share her wardrobe for the upcoming DYW state program at a July 16 public “trunk show” at the Choctaw County Library. The 6:30 p.m. event is open to the public.
As Easley competes in the DYW of Mississippi state program, well-wishers can send notes of encouragement to her at MSDYW-Choctaw County, P.O. Box 582, Meridian, MS 39302 or email her at 2kierseneasley@jrmiss.com.
The state program finals, featuring the top 10 contestants, can be attended July 24 at the Evangel Temple in Meridian or followed at #DYWMS2022. From the state level, one overall winner for Mississippi will be selected to compete in the DYW national scholarship competition in 2023.
More DYW pageant
Kiersen Easley, Distinguished Young Woman of Choctaw County, will be one of 29 Mississippi high school seniors competing for more than $28,900 in college scholarships when the 2022 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi Program gets under way Thursday, July 22, in Meridian.
The state program, which is held in Meridian, Mississippi, is now in its 65th 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 concludes on Saturday, July 24. Curtains open 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 8 p.m. Saturday.
Kiersen, the daughter of Renea Easley of Ackerman, attends Choctaw County High School. Academic accomplishments, membership and hobbies include the following: Beta Club, Ackerman Juniorettes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sextet and Madrigals, and Student Government Association. She plans to attend Mississippi University for Women to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse.
During the week-long program in Meridian, contestants are evaluated on scholastic achievement, fitness, self-expression, talent and interview. Easley has chosen a Piano presentation of “Swan Lake” for her talent.
Reserved tickets for the 2022 Distinguished Young Women Program are available for $60 for a three-night package. General admission tickets are available for $45 for a three night package, or may be purchased for individual evenings: $15, Thursday; $15, Friday; and $20, Saturday. Tickets go on sale Monday, July 12, and may be obtained by calling 601-480-3438. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are welcomed.
“We are extremely excited about this year’s program,” said Sid Wilkinson, State Chairman of the Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi Program. “This program celebrates what is positive with today’s young people and offers them cash scholarship opportunities to further their education.”
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, 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, Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
