Edee Havard claims DYW title
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Greene County High School junior Edee Havard will serve the next year as Greene County’s Distinguished Young woman after claiming the title on Saturday during the Ladies Variety Club’s annual program. Havard is shown (Center) with first alternate Anna Kate Wood (Left) and second alternate Amerlynn Holifield.
Sims Studios
By ANNETTE HARVISON
Herald Staff
The Greene County Distinguished Young Woman program proved to be a magical night indeed when six Greene County young ladies vied for the title of Greene County’s 2021 DYW.
These young ladies prepared a fabulous performance after weeks of practice. They were scored in several categories such as a personal interview and academics. On the stage, these young ladies showed off their talents through a series of performance routines as well as their individual talents.
Edith Ruth “Edee” Havard earned the honored title of Greene County DYW 2021. It was a proud moment for Havard, who worked hard to prepare for the program.
“It was very emotional for me when they called my name,” Edee said. “Honestly, I was kind of surprised because all of the other girls did so well.”
The talent portion of the program was a personally important challenge for the young lady, who performed a baton twirling routine. She began with one baton, added a second and then a third baton. Her hard work and dedication paid off as Edee won the Talent Award during the program.
“The talent portion was the most important thing to me,” Edee said. “It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I put a lot of work into it.”
“I really did it for my grandfather who died the first of February,” she added. “I told him I was a little nervous about it and he told me not to be, just to do my best, and whatever happened, when it was over, I would still be Edee and he still loved me.”
Havard also earned the Scholastic Award and the Self-Expression Award. She will continue on to represent Greene County in the Mississippi DYW program set for July 16-18 at the Evangel Temple in Meridian.
“I need to work on my interview and continue to work on my talent,” Edee said. “I really want to do well on that at state.”
“I think the best thing I have gotten through this process so far is the new friends I have gained through this process,” Edee added. “I knew the girls, but not really that well. We became really close and all of them have been so supportive and sweet.”
First alternate in the program is Anna Kate Wood. Anna Kate is also the recipient of the Ruth Green “Be Your Best Self” essay award and the Spirit of DYW award, for which she will receive scholarship funds. She will receive scholarship awards from William Carey University and the Distinguished Young Women Association as well.
Second alternate is Amberlynn Holifield. She will also receive scholarship awards from William Carey University and the Distinguished Young Women Association. Holifield also took home the Fitness Award and the Panel Evaluation Award, for which she will receive scholarship awards.
The winner of the Carlie Brewer Memorial Essence Award Scholarship is Ali Eubanks. The two contestants that sold the most ads are Anna Kate Wood and Balee Wilson.
Several local residents and businesses contributed to the many scholarship awards these young ladies received during the program.
