On Saturday night, September 24th Rocky Mount Academy was proudly represented by two of the senior classes finest, Anna Scott Wingfield and Caitlyn Vester, in Distinguished Young Women. DYW is a national program that gives girls the chance to win scholarship money through showcasing their talent, physical fitness, self-expression, scholastic success, and interview skills. The girls work extremely hard for months to prepare for the big show. For this year’s local program, the girls celebrated good times with the theme of the 80’s. Srunchies, leg warmers, and neon were staples throughout the entire show.  On stage,  the girls performed a group dance for opening number, a 7 minute fitness routine, an individual talent, as well as answering an interview question. The day of the program, the girls were also judged on their 10 minute interview session with judges at Calvary Baptist. Another portion of the program that did not take place on stage was scholastics. Participants grades, scores and academic extra-curriculars accounted for a large portion of their score. Caitlyn and Anna Scott made RMA extremely proud throughout this entire process, they worked very hard and it certainly paid off.

Caitlyn received awards in the fitness, scholastics and interview portions of the contest along with the Be Your Best Self Award, which was voted on by DYW Rocky Mount Co-Chairmen Jenn Thompson and Sharon Dees. Caitlyn was also named 2nd runner-up overall. Caitlyn’s talent was a unique and breathtaking, 90 seconds that left the entire audience speechless. Caitlyn speed painted while reciting an original poem, written by her. The poem highlighted the importance of being yourself and not giving into the conformity of society. No one represents this better than Caitlyn herself. She also shined in the fitness portion which was no surprise to anyone who has heard her unbelievable cross country meet times on the announcements at school. Congratulations to Caitlyn on all her hard work and accomplishments, they are well deserved and we are so proud of you!

Anna Scott received awards in fitness, interview, scholastics and self-expression. Anna Scott was also named the Distinguished Young Women of Rocky Mount for 2017, meaning she will go on the represent Rocky Mount at the State competition in Greensboro in January. For Anna Scott’s talent she sang “One Small Voice” while also using sign language on the chorus. Anna Scott’s performance was beautiful and left much of the audience in tears (including several of our classmates). Anna Scott was a joy to watch on stage throughout the entire evening. Her ever present smile along with her enthusiasm made her an obvious stand-out in every category. We wish the very best to Anna Scott as she goes on to the state level. We know she will represent us well! Congratulations to Anna Scott we are so very proud of you!