Distinguished Young Women of Arkansas is a scholarship pageant that allows girls to compete all over the state. The regional White County competition was held at Searcy High School.

According to coordinator Nancy Thompson To be in the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program, contestants need to have good grades and scholastic achievement, have a talent, some self-esteem, and be a senior in high school.

“It’s just a wonderful program to participate in and we really hope more girls from Searcy will decide to do it next year,” said Thompson. “If you’re a senior in high school you really need to think about it.”

DYWA winner Elizabeth Wing was intent on winning throughout the conpetition.

“I was just trying to stay calm and not let myself freak out,” said Wing. “I was trying to keep my nerves under control and focus on one event at a time.”said, “To be in this competition, you need to have a strong sense of confidence, a talent that you have been working on for a long time, and be able to talk to people and give a good interview.”

Thompson has been involved in the program formerly known as Junior Miss for a long time.

“The past 15 years have been pretty much a whirl wind; I have enjoyed being the state chairman so much, and I have been able to meet about 300 girls and their families; it’s just been a wonderful experience,” said Thompson.
“It feels really good; I’m quite happy,” stated Wing.The scholarship opportunity is nerve-wracking to some participants but Wing was thrilled with the win.

You can register for this program online at ajm.org.