Thirty-Two Finalists Vie for Over $36,000 in Scholarships at the 2026 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi Program

MERIDIAN, Miss. – Thirty-two of Mississippi’s most accomplished high school senior girls will compete for more than $36,000 in college scholarships as the 2026 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi Program begins Thursday, July 17, in Meridian.

Now in its 69th year, the Distinguished Young Women state program celebrates the academic excellence, leadership, and talents of Mississippi’s brightest young women. Over the course of the three-day showcase, participants will be evaluated in five key areas: scholastic achievement, fitness, self-expression, talent, and interview.

The program will be held at the Evangel Temple with showtime beginning at 7:30 p.m. nightly, from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, July 19.

Winners will receive scholarship awards to support their future college education, and the state representative will advance to the national Distinguished Young Women competition.

To purchase tickets visit www.purplepass.com/dywofms26 or by calling (601) 480-3438. All major credit cards are welcomed.

For media inquiries contact susanms@distinguishedyw.org.

“We’re thrilled about this year’s program,” said Sid Wilkinson, State Chairman of Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi. “This event honors the remarkable achievements of high school women, while also providing valuable scholarship opportunities to support their education and build self-confidence.”

In addition to rehearsals, participants will enjoy a week filled with fun and meaningful activities, including:

• Red Carpet Party
• Scavenger Hunt at the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX)
• Community service days throughout the Meridian area
• A festive Western Night with host families at Castle Grove Plantation

The public is invited to attend a special Autograph Party on Tuesday, July 15 at 4:30 p.m. at Belle G’s in downtown Meridian — a chance to meet the participants and show support.

Winners will be announced during the final program night and will receive scholarship awards to help pursue higher education. The state winner will go on to represent Mississippi at the national Distinguished Young Women competition.

Grace Ann Courtney, Distinguished Young Woman of Stone County, earned the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi for 2025, along with $11,800 in cash scholarships. She was recognized with top honors, including the Overall Talent and Self-Expression awards, as well as preliminary awards in Scholastics and Talent.

Representing Mississippi at the Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Alabama, held June 26–28, Grace Ann continued to excel. She was named a Top 8 National Finalist, placed in the Top 5 for Interview and Self-Expression, and received an additional $7,000 in scholarships.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for a successful future. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Master Boat Builders, Gant Travel Management, Regions Financial Corporation, John Cauley Jeweler, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.

• Upload A Flyer or Attachment (optional): Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi
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• Name of Event Venue or Location: Evangel Temple, Meridian, MS
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• Event Website: https://www.facebook.com/DYWofMS/
• Event Contact Name: Susan D. Keith
• Event Contact Email: susanms@distinguishedyw.org
• Event Contact Phone: 662-312-6919
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