Allen County-Scottsville High School senior Ella Burch was selected as Allen County’s 48th Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) Saturday night, August 31, 2019 at the high school auditorium. The capstone event of the annual program marked the conclusion of a summer of preparation and practice for Burch and seniors Katie Davis, Amber Wimpee, Robin Gagen, Sno Browning and Abby Willoughby. 

   Burch’s overall selection carried with it a $1,000 cash scholarship and was the Todd Gibbs Interview Award winner ($500 cash scholarship). Burch was the runner-up in Talent ($100 cash scholarship) and Self-Expression ($100 cash scholarship) preliminaries. Burch also received the Community Service Award ($100 cash scholarship) and the Elmer Bashore Spirit of Junior Miss Award ($250 cash scholarship).

   In addition to the cash scholarships, Burch earned her choice of a $3,000 per year scholarship to Kentucky Wesleyan College, a $3,000 per year scholarship to Campbellsville University, or a $4,000 scholarship to the Galen College of Nursing.

   Davis was named as first alternate ($700 cash scholarship). Davis placed first in Talent ($400 cash scholarship) and Self-Expression ($250 cash scholarship) and the Fitness award ($250 cash scholarship). She was runner up ($100 cash scholarship) in the Interview preliminary.

   Davis will also have a choice of a $2,500 scholarship to Kentucky Wesleyan College, a $2,500 scholarship to Campbellsville University, or a $3,000 scholarship to Galen College of Nursing.

   Gagen was named as second alternate ($500 cash scholarship) and will receive the option of a $2,000 per year scholarship to Kentucky Wesleyan College or a $2,000 per year scholarship to Campbellsville. Gagen was awarded the Be Your Best Self Award ($100 cash scholarship). 

   Gagen was the winner of the Scholastic Award ($400 cash scholarship). As the scholastic winner, Gagen will receive a $3,500 per year scholarship to Lindsey Wilson College, a $3,000 per year scholarship to Campbellsville University, a $1,500 per year scholarship to St. Catherine College, or a $3,000 scholarship to the Galen College of Nursing.  

   Willoughby was the runner-up in fitness ($100 cash scholarship). All participants also earn a $1,000 per year scholarship to Lindsey Wilson or a $6,000 to $10,000 per year scholarship to Randolph College.

  The cash scholarship awards were made possible by contributions to the local program from local organizations, individuals, and businesses. 

   Burch will represent Allen County at the 2020 Kentucky Distinguished Young Woman Program in January in Lexington.