Distinguished Young Women of Henderson County

60 years ago, Nancy Lyman Williams Long was named Henderson County’s very first Junior Miss.  “I played a gypsy melody on the piano for my talent,” Mrs. Long recalls. “I can still play most of it to this day.”  The first Junior Miss event was held at the Kentucky Theater (currently Citi-Center Mall) at 230 Second St, in Henderson.  “You could watch two movies, two shorts, get popcorn and candy for 25 cents,” she adds as she reminisces.  The Kentucky Theater closed in 1960, but the Junior Miss program, now known as Distinguished Young Women of Henderson County, has lived on and is flourishing.

Distinguished Young Women of Henderson County, is a non-profit program, comprised of six board members and was created as a scholarship competition for high school senior girls living in Henderson County.  There is no charge to participate.  The girls compete in five categories:  scholastic review, judge’s interview, talent, fitness and a question asked to them live on stage.

This year’s event, which was held on August 19 at the Preston Arts Center, blended tradition with progressive change to create a program that remains relevant and impactful for the community.  Margaret Norment Eberhart, board member and Henderson’s Junior Miss in 1999, said “The program has really worked hard over the last several years to differentiate themselves from a beauty pageant.  Nowhere on the website will you see the word ‘pageant.’  We don’t give out a crown or a sash or even flowers at the end because they really want the focus to be on scholarship, leadership and talent.

“I think that more girls choose to participate now because of the focus of moving to a scholarship program and away from a beauty pageant.  Girls who are not interested in dresses or high heels are interested in this program for that reason.  A wider variety of girls want to participate.  A long time ago you sang or danced or played an instrument (for the talent portion of the program).  Now we have girls who do a wide variety of performances on stage, which has been neat to watch over the years,” says Eberhart.

Throughout the 60-year history of the program, and with the changes brought about to help create a broader appeal, the core theme of the program has remained the same.  “The focus on being a leader in your community, representing yourself the best way you can and education has been a constant throughout,” Eberhart says.

Bailey Holmes, daughter of Nathan and Sabrina Holmes, was named Distinguished Young Woman 2018.  At only 18 years old, she had the qualities necessary to win the honor and has a lifetime to mold and shape herself in effort to always be her best self.  The Distinguished Young Women Program has created a lengthy list of strong women for her to look to as example.

Mrs. Long confirms that this focus is timeless and should be a lifelong pursuit.  When asked what makes her, her best self she quickly responds, “Having a mother that taught me there was only one Nancy Lyman Williams in this world and I had to be the best Nancy Lyman Williams that I could be.  If my mom said it, it was gospel to me.”  After a slight pause she adds, “I’m still trying to be my best self.  I’m still trying to get there.  Being my best me is something I’ll work on the rest of my life.”

In addition to Miss Holmes being named with the program’s highest honor, this year’s winners also include:

1st Runner Up:  Cameron Carter, daughter of Shari Carter and Jim Bakke

2nd Runner Up:  Aleksey O’Dell, daughter of Aubrey and Stacey Forrester

3rd Runner Up:  Sheridan Forker, daughter of Aleisha Sheridan and Tommy Forker

Ellie H Coursey Spirit Award:  Sheridan Forker

Nancy Williams Long Scholastic Achievement Award:  Aleksey O’Dell

Interview Awards:  Sheridan Forker and Aleksey O’Dell

Self-Expression Award:  Bailey Holmes and Sheridan Forker

Talent Awards:  Ann Logan, daughter of John and Marhsa Logan, and Cameron Carter

Fitness Award:  Cameron Carter and Aleksey O’Dell

Distinguished Young Women of Henderson County values the community by supporting and empowering its youth.  As with most non-profits, they largely depend on the support of area businesses for funding.  For details on how to support this program and additional information regarding dates of upcoming events please visit henderson.ky.distinguishedyw.org.