Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County program scheduled for Saturday
The Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County program proudly presents Campbell Price, Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County for 2026, in its annual program which will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026 in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Kinston High School. Price attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Campbell is the daughter of Neal and Jill Price.
Jennifer Heath Sutton will emcee the program, “All American Girls” as the participants enjoy performing to a variety of tunes celebrating 250 years of America. Sponsored by the La Grange Rotary Club, the program is under the direction of Mia Heath, Allyson Heath and choreographer Jennifer Tyndall.
“Because of its high standards and numerous opportunities for high school seniors, the Distinguished Young Women Program is considered one of the nation’s major youth programs and has gained the approval of educators, parents, and civic leaders,” Heath said. “This program focuses on the achievements of youth.”
The local program is part of a nationwide effort to recognize, reward, and encourage excellence and education among all young people. Eight senior girls will compete for scholarship money to help further their education and gifts donated by local merchants.
Participants in the 2027 program include:
Bailey Grace Rouse
Parents Erica & Edward Blalock :
High School: South Lenoir High School
College Choice: UNC Chapel Hill
Career Ambition: Pediatric Nurse
Talent: Jazz dance
Sponsor: Carlyle’s Window Tinting
Kaylee Stallings
Parents: Paul and Brandi Stallings
High School: Lenoir County Early College High School
College Choice: East Carolina University
Career Ambition: Elementary School Teacher
Talent: Lyrical Dance
Sponsor: Modulars Only of Kinston
Rory Smith
Parents: Jerry and April Smith
High School: Greene Early College High School
College Choice: Appalachian State University
Career Ambition: Child Psychologist
Sponsor: Limited DanceWorks
Jaleya Perry
Parents: Rose Lawhorn and Antonio Perry
High School: North Lenoir High School
College Choice: UNC Chapel Hill
Career Ambition: Pediatric Nurse
Talent: Contemporary Dance
Sponsor: Field Controls LLC
Lexy Rouse
Parents: Herb and Julie Rouse
High School: North Lenoir High School
College Choice: North Carolina State University
Career Ambition: Attorney
Talent: Tap Dance
Sponsor: Southern Socials
Alyssa Beaman
Parents: Amanda Sullivan & Kent Beaman
High School: Greene Early College High School
College Choice: Duke University
Career Ambition: Naval Physician
Talent: Tap Dance
Sponsor: Studio 86 School Of Dance
Aislyn Chernault
Parents: Lillion Brown & Craig Chernault
High School: South Lenoir High School
College Choice: East Carolina
Career Ambition: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Talent: Contemporary Lyrical routine
Sponsor: Brown Orthodontics
Amber Johnson
Parents: Greg and Amanda Johnson
High School: Greene Central High School
College Choice: Barton College
Career Ambition: Forensic Social Worker or Therapist
Talent: Jazz Dance
Sponsor: GAP Ready! Farm Services
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 over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Mobile County, City of Mobile, Alabama Power Foundation, Shoe Station, Gant Travel Management, Wellington and Bonnie Coffeen, Regions Financial Corporation, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.
The 2027 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County will be selected by a panel of individuals representing a broad range of backgrounds and interests. Evaluation in the local program will be based on the following standards, which are also used on the state and national levels: interviews, 25%; scholastics, 25%; fitness, 15%; talent, 20%; and self-expression, 15%.
The 2027 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County, along with other local winners from across the state, will compete in the state program January 22 and 23, 2027 in Greensboro. The state winner will then travel to Mobile, Alabama in June for the national finals.
Numerous area businesses and individuals have contributed scholarship money to this program including: Dr. Kent Denton Family; Southern Bank of La Grange; Jimmy and Daphne Pollock; Ray and Marian Kennedy; Foss Recycling; Woodmen of the World; David and Ginny Moody; Johnnie and Danita Sheppard, Frederick and Stacie Smith, Danny and Jenny Daughety and Mellany Davis. Other businesses have generously supported the program with donations and by giving of their time. These businesses include: Brittany Smith Photography, Casey Chudy, Mandy Odom and Mooves Dance Studio, Neuse News, and the Anne Hood Capps family.
Tickets to the program may be purchased for $20 by contacting any participant or Mia Heath. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
