GALLERY: Opp’s Ada Blackstock wins 2025 DYW of Covington County

Opp High School rising senior Ada Blackstock was named the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Covington County on Saturday, July 20, and received a $5,000 cash tuition scholarship.

This year’s event with an “Unstoppable” theme was held at LBW Community College in the Martha and Solon Dixon Center for the Performing Arts. Blackstock received her winning medal from 2024 DYW winner Ivy Rogers and a full tuition scholarship from LBWCC.

“It is truly an honor to be named the Distinguished Young Woman of Covington County. It shows me I can accomplish anything I set my mind to with diligence and hard work. Being a female representative of our county is something I will cherish and hold in great pride,” Blackstock said.

She added that the week leading up to the competition was one of the best weeks of her life.

“Each girl was so encouraging and kind. All the board members were truly dedicated to the program and made every girl feel unstoppable. The sponsors were all so gracious and made the week feel so special. I gained many new friends and grew in my confidence.”

Blackstock also won the interview, scholastic, and self-expression categories.

“DYW takes mental, physical, and emotional preparation,” she said. “I worked on my interview skills by practicing in front of my parents and keeping up with current events. I play volleyball at Opp and have been exercising all summer to prepare for the fitness portion. The rehearsals and practices during DYW week also helped me with speaking in front of others and learning to stay positive.”

Her talent was a performance of “When He Sees Me” from the Broadway musical “Waitress.”

“I have always had a love for Broadway musicals. It just felt right for me to do something I am passionate about for the talent portion of the competition,” Blackstock said.

Blackstock will begin her senior year in August. She is a middle hitter for the Lady Bobcats volleyball team and is involved in several extracurricular activities. She is the Student Government Association (SGA) president, an Opp High School ambassador, the Covington County Youth Leadership (CCYL) vice chairperson, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), a Peer Helper, member of OHS Voices, and is active in the First Baptist Church of Opp youth group.

“I am so excited for the memories I will make with my classmates. I have always looked up to the senior class, so for me to be able to set an example for the underclassmen is such an honor. I am also excited for my very last volleyball season and the experiences DYW will bring me in the next year,” she said.

Following graduation, she has plans to attend Auburn University and obtain a major in Pre-Med.

“I have a love for helping others and a general interest in the medical field. I believe it is important to have more rural healthcare providers, which is one of my future career goals,” Blackstock said.

Blackstock expressed gratitude to her loved ones and companions for helping her reach this point in her life.

“Without my family and friends, I would not be the young lady I am today. They are truly my support system and foundation. Even when I felt self-doubt or felt overwhelmed, I had a strong network behind me who was always there to uplift and encourage me,” she said.

She encouraged any upcoming juniors to participate in future competitions.

“I encourage all young ladies in our county to participate in our program. The skills and experiences participants gain from the experience will leave an indelible mark they will rely on and utilize when pursuing future goals and endeavors. DYW really is a life-changing experience,” Blackstock said.

Ada is the daughter of Andy and Amy Blackstock with an older brother, Drew.

Distinguished Young Women of Covington County awarded $25,000 in cash scholarships this year to be used for tuition and fees, room and board, books, or other educational expenses at any accredited institution of higher learning.

Other 2025 Covington County DYW award winners are as follows:

• First Alternate: Ella Ward received $4,000 in scholarship money.
• Second Alternate: Amber Nguyen received $3,000 in scholarship money.
• Third Alternate: Karis Dubose received $2,000 in scholarship money.
• Fourth Alternate: Kinsley Stovall received $1,000 in scholarship money.
• Rising Star: Haylee Booth, Elizabeth Carroll, Virginia Jeter, Alyson Richburg, and Shambresha Woods each received $250 in scholarship money.
• Be Your Best Self Essay: Amber Nguyen and Alyson Richburg each received $500 in scholarship money.
• Spirit: Kayden Lord and Ella Ward each received $500 in scholarship money.
• Fitness: Brittan Bennett and Ella Ward each received $500 in scholarship money.
• Self-Expression: Brittan Bennett, Ada Blackstock, and Ella Ward each received $500 in scholarship money.
• Talent: Lily Jo Elmore and Ella Ward each received $600 in scholarship money.
• Scholastic: Ada Blackstock and Karis Dubose each received $1,000 in scholarship money.
• Interview: Ada Blackstock and Amber Nguyen each received $700 in scholarship money.

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