On Saturday, over $12,000 in scholarships and other gifts were given to the Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County Class of 2024.  The Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County program is part of a nationwide effort to recognize, reward, and encourage excellence and education among all young people. Seven senior girls competed for the scholarships. Participants were Gabby Smith, Tiyah Chapman, Leanna Kivett, Shamiah Hall, Grayson Lynch, Kalyn Brock, and Caitlin Waters. 

Caitlin Waters became the 2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Lenoir County. She received a $3,500 scholarship and medallion, $500 clothing allowance for the state program, and a 16x20 portrait from Brittany Smith Photography. 

• Third Runner-up Leanna Kivett received a $750 scholarship. 

• Second Runner-up Gabby Smith received a $1,250 scholarship. 

• First Runner-up Kalyn Brock received a $2,250 scholarship.

The Spirit Award recipient was Shamiah Hall, who received a $500 scholarship presented by Jimmy and Daphne Pollock and a plaque given by the Anne Hood Capps family.

The Be Your Best Self/Community Award recipients were Grayson Lynch, Leanna Kivett, Kalyn Brock, and Caitlin Waters. 

The Preliminary Award Winners received $150 scholarships each:

• Fitness - Leanna Kivett, Kalyn Brock, and Gabby Smith 

• Talent - Shamiah Hall, Kalyn Brock, and Caitlin Waters 

• Self-Expression - Leanna Kivett, Kalyn Brock, and Caitlin Waters 

• Scholastic - Shamiah Hall, Kalyn Brock, and Caitlin Waters 

• Interview - Leanna Kivett, Gabby Smith, and Caitlin Waters 

The Distinguished Young Women of Lenoir County committee would like to give a special thanks to the parents, volunteers, sponsors, and donors who supported this year's program.