This past Friday and Saturday, January 27th and 28th, our very own Anna Scott Wingfield represented Rocky Mount in the annual Distinguished Young Women of North Carolina Program. Beginning in September of 2016, Anna Scott won the local DYW of Rocky Mount competition to be chosen to move on to the State Program. Distinguished Young Women is a scholarship program for senior girls to showcase their abilities in the categories of interview, fitness, self-expression, talent and scholastics. At the local program, Anna Scott placed in interview, scholastics, self-expression and fitness. Since her big win in September, Anna Scott began her training for the State program and attended a work weekend in Greensboro in November to learn her fitness routine with other county representatives. She has been practicing very hard on a complicated and tiring fitness routine while also perfecting her talent, a vocal presentation, and preparing for her upcoming interview. In total, Anna Scott spent nine days in Greensboro during the week of the competition, staying with a host family and two other county representatives.

The two day showcase began on Friday the 27th as Anna Scott took the stage for Opening Number to the song “A Different Beat” by Little Mix. The theme of the Program was “Go Your Own Way”, so all aspects of the show were centered around the idea of being independent. There were 17 contestants in all and they were separated into color groups of blue, green and pink. Anna Scott was a member of the Green group. After Opening Number, each girl got to introduce themselves by stating their name, title, and number. Anna Scott was lucky number 14 from Rocky Mount! The next thing Anna Scott presented was the hardcore fitness routine to the song “Just Like Fire” by P!NK. The routine was full of jumping jacks, pushups, lunges, and just about any other insane move you can think of. She displayed her endurance, strength, and flexibility throughout the routine, especially during the solo part. Later that night, Anna Scott took the stage in her modern look of blue jeans, wedges, and white blouse to sing the song “Keeper of the Stars” by Laura Story. Her beautiful voice shone through as she gracefully displayed her love for God. The night concluded with much enthusiasm from friends and family members that watched Anna Scott perform. It can be said that Anna Scott had an incredible cheering section that could be seen waving glow sticks, posters Anna Scott’s pictures on them, wearing buttons with Anna Scott’s face on them, and making sure they were louder than anyone else. The night held much anticipation for the upcoming night, when the winners would be announced.

The second night started very similar to the first. All the contestants performed the Opening Number, which was the perfect way to excite the crowd. Anna Scott then took the stage in a beautiful light blue, knee length dress for Self- Expression. During this, contestants are judged based of carriage, grace, choice of dress, and speaking ability. Each participant is given a question which they must answer in front of the crowd. Anna Scott’s question was “It has been said that difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations. Describe your destination and how you will overcome obstacles along the way.” Upon speaking, her voice was steady, clear and confident. You could definitely tell Anna Scott was not nervous in front of the crowd and was very prepared. She answered by stating, “With the hope of becoming a medical missionary, I know that I have a difficult road ahead of me. However, I am confident that God will grant me the strength and focus needed to face the obstacles that come with pursuing my higher education, traveling, and serving others. I know that wherever he calls me to go, I will have the opportunity to spread his word and encourage others to reach for heaven, the ultimate and greatest destination.” Her speaking part concluded the judged parts of the Program as both the Interview with a judges panel and scholastics were judged prior to the competition. After an intermission and performances from the previous Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina, Martha Bennett, it was time to announce the winner. Anna Scott ended up placing in Self-Expression and she earned the well-deserved Spirit Award- an award voted on by the participants on who best embodies the qualities of a Distinguished Young Woman. Not to mention half her cheering squad, myself included, lost their voices from cheering so loudly! Her hard work paid off as she made some great friends and memories all while earning some cash for college and representing Rocky Mount well. We are so proud of you Anna Scott in all of your endeavors!!