11 Young Juniors from Rhea County will compete for 2022 DYW this year. Bella Wilson, Delanie Dodson, Carden Dyer, Bella Grace Guhne, Bailyn Kinney, Taylor McCoy, Aaliyah-Kate McPherson, Savannah Tilley, Cloey Crum, Katelyn Denson and Emma Davis.(Photos: Submitted)

11 Local Competitors Look to Become 2022 Distinguished Young Woman

Dayton, TN -- Eleven young women from Rhea County who are in junior year of high school began competing for the 2023 Distinguished Young Woman of Rhea County and the competition will go on stage on Saturday, May 21, 2022. The program begins at 7 pm on the campus of Bryan College in Rudd Auditorium. Cost for the event is $10.00.

Each Distinguished Young Women program evaluates participants in the following categories: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%), and Self-Expression (15%). Local program winners, in states where locals are available, advance to the state level. All state winners participate in the National Finals which is held in Mobile, Alabama the June after you graduate from high school.

Last year's winner, Haylee Shoffner will pass her title on to the next Distinguished Young Woman. Competing this year will be Emma Davis(talent saxophone), Katelyn Denson(talent: saxophone & vocal), Cloey Crum(talent: flute), Bella Wilson(talent: worship song interpretation), Savannah Tilley(talent: tap dance), Aaliyah-Kate McPherson(talent: theatrical presentation), Taylor McCoy(talent: vocal), Bailyn Kinney(talent: piano), Caden Dyer(talent: vocal/dance), Delanie Dodson(talent: contemporary dance) and Gracie Guhne(talent:vocal).