Scholarship program recognizes four distinguished young women

The Distinguished Young Women of Nash County is holding its scholarship program at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Dunn Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of N.C. Wesleyan University in Rocky Mount. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20.

Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Ala., the Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. Last year, it provided more than $1.2 million in cash scholarships at the local, state and national levels. In addition to cash scholarships, Distinguished Young Women participants are eligible for college-granted scholarships from more than 100 colleges and universities.

The areas of competition include scholastics, interview, fitness, talent and self expression. The Distinguished Young Women of Rocky Mount Class of 2025 consists of four young women who are leaders in their community, schools and churches.

Participants in the program include the following:

Madeline Hart

Nash Central High School student

Parents: John and Jennifer Hart

Talent: Vocal Performance

Sponsor: Rocky Mount Family Medical Practice

Clara Danforth

Nash Central High School student

Parents: Larry and Amy Danforth

Talent: Vocal Performance

Sponsor: George's BBQ Sauce

Samantha McKeel

Nash Rocky Mount Early College High School student

Parents: Sammy and Katherine McKeel

Talent: Vocal Performance

Sponsor: Nature's Caretaker Landscaping

Grace Oxendine

Nash Central High School student

Parents: Claire Oxendine and Garrick Oxendine

Talent: Vocal Performance

Sponsor: Joyce Edmonds

For more information, visit www.distinguishedyw.org/north-carolina/nash-county