Greenville teen is second runner up in Distinguished Young Women National Finals

A Greenville teen has been named second runner-up in the 67th Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Alabama.

Haynes Lewis, who represented North Carolina in Saturday’s scholarship program, received a $15,000 scholarship award. Alicia Chu of Delaware was named Distinguished Young Woman of America.

Lewis, the daughter of Dr. Richard and Kristie Lewis, also received a $2,500 “Tell me a Story” Award by Maureen Sullivan Collins. The salutatorian for the Class of 2024 at Arendell Parrott Academy, she plans to attend Duke University in the fall.

After being selected Distinguished Young Woman of Greenville in 2023, Lewis was awarded the state title in January 2024. She received preliminary awards in self-expression, talent, scholastics and overall interview at the state program.

She is the sixth Pitt County-area representative to participate in national finals for Distinguished Young Women. Greenville’s former Distinguished Young Women of North Carolina include Asa Thurnau in 2022; Martha Bennett, 2016; Jane Chaffee, 2007; Hope Lu, 2005 and Lauren Scott, 1999. Scott and Lu both were selected as first runner-up in the national program.

Founded in 1958, the scholarship program, formerly known as Junior Miss, is designed to encourage participants to reach their full individual potential.

Its mission is to empower young women by providing more than $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and preparing them for success after high school.