Rising high school senior Reed Hairston of Columbus will represent Lowndes County at the state’s Distinguished Young Women program in Meridian July 14-16. The Heritage Academy student was selected by judges as the county’s Distinguished Young Woman in April. On Tuesday at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, Hairston presented the interactive DYW “Be Your Best Self” platform to about 160 youth in kindergarten through sixth grade.
“Be Your Best Self” allows DYW participants to reach out and encourage young people in their communities. It focuses on five elements: Be Healthy; Be Studious; Be Involved; Be Responsible; and Be Ambitious. Hairston invited audience members to the front as each element was introduced. They were encouraged to share suggestions about how to achieve specific goals. All participants went home with a pamphlet reviewing the five points and reiterating Hairston’s motto: “Be authentic. Stay true. You’re the best at being you.”
In two weeks, Hairston will join other county and area DYW winners from across the state in Meridian to vie for college scholarships. They will be evaluated in categories including Scholastics, Interview, Talent, Fitness and Self-Expression. The state winner will advance to the national finals, to be held next June in Mobile, Alabama.
Formerly known as the Junior Miss program, the national DYW combines the chance to win college scholarships with Life Skills training to “prepare young women for the world after high school.” On the state level, Mississippi’s program awarded $35,000 in scholarships last year. At the national finals, $150,000 will be awarded in cash tuition scholarships.
Open to young women in their junior year of high school, the program also offers workshops in public speaking, interviewing and more. Participants come from all walks of life, but have one thing in common, a desire to succeed.
“I love Lowndes County and Mississippi, and I’m excited to represent Columbus and the county at the state level,” said Hairston, who is the daughter of Trip and Dr. Bethany Hairston.
A member of the Columbus Girlchoir, Hairston hopes to pursue study in music therapy in college. At the statewide event at Meridian’s Temple Theater, she will sing “The Prayer” in English and Italian. She leaves for Meridian July 10.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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