Distinguished Young Women OF Greenwood County


is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholastics, leadership and talent in young women. Earn scholarships for higher education, personally develop through the DYW Life Skills Workshops, and make new friends from around the state.


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Photo of Leslie Merrill
Leslie Merrill
Distinguished Young Woman of Greenwood County for 2024
Photo of Savannah Smith
Savannah Smith
Distinguished Young Woman of Greenwood County for 2024
Local Program Information

Class of 2024 Program

Date TBA

Where:
Location TBA

Tickets:
$TBA for Preliminaries on Date and Time TBA
$TBA for Finals on Date and Time TBA

Life-Changing Experience

College scholarships are awarded at the state level and millions in college-granted scholarships are available nationally. The state representative will advance to the national program for the opportunity to compete for cash tuition scholarships. To participate, you must be in your junior of high school. Participants are evaluated in the areas of: scholastics, interview, talent, self-expression, and fitness.


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2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Greenwood County

2025 Local Participants


These participants will take part in the up-coming local program.

Participants

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Greenwood County

Photo of Leslie Merrill
Leslie Merrill
From
Greenwood

University Preference
Villanova University

Career Goal
Attorney

Achievements:
Best Attorney in Mock Trial (2022)Best Attorney in Mock Trial (2023)November 2022 Engineering Student of the Month

Activites:
Greenwood High School Mock Trial TeamToros Club SoccerDiocesan Youth Leadership CommitteeCO3R TutoringBeta ClubNational Honors SocietySwivel Tutor

Additional:
Tutoring

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Greenwood County

Photo of Savannah Smith
Savannah Smith
From
Greenwood

University Preference
Clemson University

Career Goal
Creative Writing

Achievements:
2 time UCA All-American Cheerleader Performed as an All-American in the Christmas parade in Disney World Choreographed and coached a dance team to win a national title. 2 time Cheer Spirit award recipient on Varsity Cheer at school. National dance team champion at “The One” All A Honor Roll National Honor Society Distinguished Young Woman of Greenwood CountyPerseverance Award 11th GradeThe PC Fellows Award, Converse Junior Achiever

Activites:
Competition Cheer: 5 yearsVarsity School Cheer: 3 yearsCompetition Dance: 4yearsChick-fil-A Team MemberYearbook staff memberPraise team in chapel at Greenwood Christian SchoolNational Honor SocietyChick-fil-a Leader AcademyVarsity Cheer Captain 2023

Additional:
Cheer and dance coach for two special needs teams.Volunteer: parent group meetings in my community. Help with crafts and childcareSunday school teacher for 3 and 4 year olds.Children's Book Drive for local children's home

2025 Local Participants

Photo of Sydnee  Cox
Sydnee  Cox
CityGreenwood
University PreferenceClemson
Career GoalSurgeon
TalentDance
Photo of Melissa  Cribbs
Melissa  Cribbs
CityWaterloo
University PreferenceLander University
Career GoalPediatric Nurse & Cheer Coach
TalentSign Language
Photo of Riley Lyles
Riley Lyles
CityGreenwood
University PreferenceUndecided
Career GoalDance Educator
TalentDance
Photo of Sarah Grace Sorrow
Sarah Grace Sorrow
CityGreenwood
University PreferenceClemson University
Career GoalAfter Having Already Completed One Year Of My Nursing Degree When I Graduate From High School, I Will Finish My Nursing Degree At Clemson University And Become A Registered Nurse Working In Labor And Delivery.
TalentSpeed Painting
Photo of Amber Thomas
Amber Thomas
CityGreenwood
University PreferenceEmory University, Clemson, or University of Georgia
Career GoalGraduate A 4 Year University And Then Go To Medical Or Dental School
TalentDance
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