MSMS senior and Stone County representative Grace Ann Courtney was named Mississippi’s Distinguished Young Woman for 2025 and won $11,800 in scholarships after completing the program on July 13 in Meridian.

In addition to placing first in the competition, Courtney won awards for overall self-expression, talent preliminary and scholarship preliminary. 

DYW is a national scholarship program aimed at empowering and recognizing young women by showcasing their abilities in various disciplines. Twenty-nine participants from across Mississippi competed in the weeklong program and were assessed in the following categories: scholastic, interview, talent, self-expression and fitness. After completing the preliminary round, the top 10 participants advanced to the final round.  

Courtney said the program reminded her to give back to her community and to appreciate the selfless efforts of DYW volunteers who served as mentors, stage crew and judges.  

“This new title has made it very clear to me that I need to carry myself well and be a role model for young women who might be interested in participating,” Courtney said, “I am no longer a leader representing my town or my school, but I am also representing my state.” 

Initially, Courtney said the competition was intimidating, since she had never participated in a similar program. Motivated by the opportunities to win scholarships and represent her rural community, Courtney said she overcame this challenge and formed friendships with many other participants.

“I was not there solely to win. I was there to make memories with the girls,” Courtney said. 

Courtney prepared for the competition by staying updated on current events, going to the gym regularly for strength training, practicing her piano piece and conducting mock interviews with her dad. 

“[These preparations] helped me make sure I was firm in my opinions and knew how to articulate them concisely,” Courtney said. 

To other young women who are interested in the program or aiming for similar achievements, Courtney said “nothing is impossible with the right motivation and a genuine personality.”

“I was very very pessimistic walking into the program, but I was genuine on stage, and it worked out in my favor,” Courtney said. 

Courtney will compete in the national program at the Saenger Theatre in Mobile, Alabama on June 26-28.