Students recognized at scholarship event

A Greenville teen was named Distinguished Young Woman of Pitt County and a Farmville student also was recognized.

Arendell Parrott Academy student Sophia Akhter won the title at the scholarship program Friday night at South Central High School. She will go on to represent the area at next year’s state-level program.

D.H. Conley High School student Morgan Worsley was first finalist, and Ayden-Grifton High School student Kaitlyn Wood was second finalist in the competition, which featured 11 area students vying for $15,000 in scholarships.

Farmville Central High School student Aryana Smith received the spirit award, and Ella Coggins, who is homeschooled, received the Be Your Best Self award.

Akhter, the daughter of Pamela Akhter and Shahab Akhter, also was recognized in scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. Both Worsley and Wood received awards in scholastics, interview and self-expression.

J.H. Rose High School student Emily Voos received awards in talent, fitness and self-expression, while Conley student Aubrie Dash received awards in scholastics and interview. Conley student Karissa Thurnau and Rose student Alaina Waldron each received awards in talent and fitness.

Last year’s Distinguished Young Woman of Greenville, Haynes Lewis, won the state title in January and will compete at the national level this summer.