Winston Academy High School junior, Anna Claire Bucklew, will represent Winston County this summer in the state competition as she was named 2019 Distinguished Young Woman of Winston County during the program’s main event Saturday, February 24.
As the winner Bucklew earned a $1000 Mississippi State University scholarship, a $1500 Winston county Distinguished Young Woman scholarship, and a $895 East Central Community College scholarship.
Anna Claire Bucklew also earned the Alexis Grace Taylor Scholastic award, which is a $1500 scholarship. She earned the interview award, which is a $250 scholarship. She also won the physical fitness award, which is a $500 scholarship. Bucklew will go on to compete in the Mississippi Distinguished Young Woman program in July in Meridian.
The “Be Your Best Self” award of $250 was awarded to Lillian Caroline Sisson. Sisson was also awarded First Alternate. She received a $750 scholarship. Sisson is the daughter of Hollye Kirk and Casey Sisson. She is a junior at Winston Academy. For her talent, she performed a self-written monologue.
The Caroline Fair Spirit Award of $750 was given to Tierra Joesha Bates. Bates is a junior at Louisville High School. She is the daughter of Sharon and Alvin Bates. For her talent, danced to the song “Bigger” by Jekayln Carr.
The Talent award was given to Kygeria Chiera Dawkins. Dawkins is the daughter of Ken and Brandy Dawkins. She is a junior at Louisville High School. She sang "Rise Up" by Andra Day.
Second Alternate of Winston County’s DYW was Molli Elizabeth Childs. Childs is a junior at Nanih Waiya Attendance Center. She is the daughter of Chris and Julie Childs. For her talent she sang "You're Not Alone" by Meredith Andrews. She was awarded a $500 scholarship.
Scores are based upon the following:
At all levels of the Distinguished Young Woman program, judging standards and basis of selection are the same. The emphasis is on excellence in scholastics, personality, character, physical well-being, creativity and relationships with her fellow peers.
Panel Evaluation: 25 percent – A 10-minute interview is conducted with each candidate. The judge’s panel scores the candidate on perception, personality, a sense of values, clarity of expression and human relations.
Talent: 25 percent – Judging is based on originality, technical ability, appropriateness of selection and costume, stage presence and performance.
grades and scores of scholastic and college entrance exams.
Scholastic Achievement: 20 percent – A panel of qualified educator’s reviews and rates transcripts of
Physical Fitness: 15 percent – Contestants are scored on coordination, stamina, agility, posture and carriage, attitude and overall conditioning to the choreographed routine.
Self-Expression: 15 percent – Grace, poise, carriage and posture are considered along with composure and speech.
Distinguished Young Woman is a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women. In addition to earning scholarships for college, the program touts that it helps young women develop friendships, self-confidence and other life skills.
