Hultz claims county’s DYW title
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Photo Courtesy of John Sims Studio
Madsion LeeAnn Hultz claimed the title of Greene County’s 2020 Distinguished Young Woman during the annual DYW program Saturday night in Leakesville. Hultz (Left) is shown with 2019 DYW McKay Lee Sue Bray.
From Staff Reports
With six of Greene County’s best and brightest putting their talents on display in Leakesville Saturday night, Madison LeeAnn Hultz outshined the field.
Hultz, a resident of the Winborn Chapel Community and a junior at George County High School in Lucedale, outpaced the five other contestants gathered at the Leakesville Jr. High School gymnasium to claim the title of Greene County’s 2020 Distinguished Young Woman.
En route to the title, Hultz also claimed the talent competition with her acrobatic dance routine to ‘The Greatest’. A varsity cheerleader for the Rebels and a member of the Heart of Gold competitive cheer team, Hultz also claimed the program’s Physical Fitness Award.
The daughter of Rusty and Tammy Hultz will now begin preparations to represent Greene County in the 2020 Mississippi Distinguished Young Woman Program in Meridian this July.
Hultz has kept a busy schedule even if you don’t count the numerous hours involved with preparing for DYW. Among other things, she has been involved in her school’s Student Council, Interact Club and Skills USA team. She also serves as a competitive cheer coach for younger age groups. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue a degree in radiology.
While Hultz claimed the ultimate prize, all six contestants drew high praise from members of the Ladies Variety Club, who sponsors the event each year.
Leakesville resident Olivia Eubanks claimed the title of First Alternate. The daughter of Stacy and Shelley Eubanks had a big night, claiming the program’s Scholastic and Self-Expression awards, along with winning the Ruth Green “Be Your Best Self” Essay Award. Eubanks also claimed the important Panel Evaluation Award.

Hultz (Center) is shown with First Alternate Olivia Eubanks (Right) and Second Alternate Gabrielle Taylor.
Like Hultz, Eubanks maintains a full schedule and has been involved in the GCHS Student Council, FBLA, WILDPAT, Beta Club and her youth group at Leakesville United Methodist Church. She is a member of the softball, volleyball and cheer teams at the school, and serves her class as President. She also recently served as a Senate and Governor’s page at the State Capital in Jackson.
After high school, Olivia plans to attend the Mississippi University for Women to pursue a degree in nursing.
Named as the program’s Second Alternate was Gabrielle Taylor, the daughter of Robert and Donna Taylor. Gabby also claimed the Frances Basila Spirit Award, which is chosen by the contestants themselves.
Contestant Karli Mills was awarded the Carli Brewer Memorial Essence Award.
Ladies Variety Club thanks supporters
The members of the Ladies Variety Club, sponsor of our Greene County Distinguished Young Women program, would like to express our sincere thanks to the following individuals and businesses for the continued support of our DYW program through their giving of awards and scholarship monies:
Mrs. Tammie Clark and Mr. John Barrow – tabulators, Mrs. Dailee Eubanks Papania – choreographer, Mr. John Sims – photographer, and Mr. Randy Pierce – master of ceremonies.
Mrs. Regena Bailey, Walt MasseyAutomotive, A/C & Heating Controllers, Mrs. Cecilia Bounds-Circuit Clerk, Southern Pines Energy Center, First State Bank, Dorothy Huff/Jean Huff Henington family, Fred & Delores Dobbins family, Clint & Sarah James, Linda Daws Pulliam family, Chad and Alaina Smith-Garick, CommunityBank, Steve & Brenda Smith, Greene County Board of Supervisors, Sand Hill Grocery, Mrs. Kathryn Breland, Richton Bank & Trust, Mrs. Connie Walley, Steve and Shane Graham, Mrs. Ann Walley, Dr. Claire Walley, Lt. and Mrs. Richmond Walley, Ruth Green Family, the Carlie Brewer family, and the Greene County DYW Alumnae Council.
LVC would also like to thank Walt Massey Automotive (loaning us a van to transport participants and Little Sisters to Global Wildlife), Joy’s Florist (flowers), Jeff Byrd (monogrammed Bibles for participants), Greene County Herald (media coverage), Greene County Board of Education (auditorium arrangements), Mrs. Monica Edwards-LJHS Principal (use of the gym), Mr. Richard Fleming-Greene County JCJC Center, The Ruth Green family (Camp Polly Wiggle event), Sarah James and the SMCI Vo-Tech, Encore Therapy and Mrs. Hope Backstrom (posture party and t-shirts), and The Junction for mock interview session pizza.
This program would not be possible without the continued support of our community, and on behalf of the Ladies Variety Club and the many young women who have gained so much from this program, we thank you.
If you are interested in being a part of the Ladies Variety Club or the Distinguished Young Women Program, please contact Mrs. Debbie McLeod (769-475-0512) or Mrs. Menyone Barrow (601-394-8117).