Evelyn Claire “Evie” McIntyre of Columbus earned Top Ten honors as she represented Lowndes County July 25 in the 2015-2016 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi competition in Meridian. Thirty-four young ladies from throughout the state vied for the opportunity to advance to the national finals.
DYW of Mississippi is an official state preliminary for the nationwide program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent. All state representatives compete for a share of more than $130,000 in cash scholarships. Since 1958, DYW, formerly America’s Junior Miss program, has awarded more than $90 million in scholarships. Categories of scoring consist of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.
McIntyre, the 17-year-old daughter of Dr. Mike and Wanda McIntyre, will be a senior this school year at Heritage Academy. She aspires to become a medical doctor.
The week spent at state competition was a valuable experience, said the participant’s mother.
“She truly learned a tremendous amount through this program that she can take with her the rest of her life,” she remarked. New friends and strong contacts made are among the benefits, as are honed interview skills useful for future college or career interviews.
The national DYW platform is “Be Your Best Self.” Through it, teens are encouraged to commit to being their best selves in academics, physical fitness, morality, character and social and civic involvement.
To learn more about the DYW program, go to distinguishedyw.org.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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