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Sixth Grader Serving as Little Sister in State DYW Program.
Sixth Grader Serving as Little Sister in State DYW Program.

    Allen County-Scottsville senior Kaleigh Beth Shaw will be in Lexington next week representing Allen County at the 2018 Kentucky Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) Scholarship Program.

   Shaw was selected as Allen County’s Distinguished Young Women at the local program last August. Since that time, Shaw has spent time preparing for the week-long state program. Her preparations have included time at the CORE learning routines, practicing for the talent portion of the program, toning interview skills, keeping up with current events, and fulfilling obligations as part of the state DYW program.

   “Ernie Stafford at the CORE is a sponsor and has allowed me to use their aerobic room to work on the routines,” Shaw explained. “I have been working out for fitness and practicing Vienna, the song I’m using for talent.”

   Shaw will travel to Lexington on Sunday to spend the week alongside county DYW winners from across the Commonwealth. The week will include special appearances and functions as well as hours of group practice to prepare for the two-day program.

   “Friday (January 12) will be the first on-stage preliminary for me, the talent competition,” Shaw noted. “I will have self-expression and fitness in the second preliminary Saturday morning,”

   Prior to the on-stage activities, Shaw will also meet with the program’s judges in the Interview phase of the program. All winners will be announced at the finals on Saturday evening.

   Shaw will not be the only Allen County School District student at the state DYW program. A special feature of the scholarship program allows each county DYW winner to select a “little sister.” Shaw chose 11-year old Kaitlyn Rather, a sixth grader at Allen County Intermediate Center.

   “Kaitlyn will be in Lexington for a luncheon with us and also on-stage as part of one of our routines,” Shaw explained.

   Family and friends of Shaw are encouraged to send her cards of encouragement and well-wishes. While in Lexington, Shaw will stay with the host family of Diane and Mike Wheatley. Cards can be sent to the Wheatley’s, 3873 Ormesby Place, Lexington (KY), 40515.

    The Kentucky DYW program will be held at the Singletary Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Kentucky on January 12 and 13. The first preliminary program is Friday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. (EST) with the second preliminary program slated for 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 13. The finals will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 13.

     According to the state DYW website, Distinguished Young Women of Kentucky is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women. College scholarships are awarded at the state level ($27,250 last year) and millions in college-granted scholarships are available ($1.5 billion nationally). The local program---under the direction of the Allen County Junior Miss Board—also offers scholarship opportunities.