Petal’s Distinguished Young Woman Meagan Smith competed in the state DYW program over the weekend and took home the distinction of first alternate following the competition.
Smith also received a preliminary award in self expression.
The Distinguished Young Woman scholarship program helped Smith learn about herself and the world around her through fun experiences.
This is what former Distinguished Young Woman, Petal High School teacher and Smith’s mentor Kathryn Daniels has said is the purpose of the competition.
“I think I can speak for the other women when I say that these girls come to us with attributes that are already distinguished,” Daniels said. “This program does not set a standard that they have to sustain, but helps build who they already are.”
“The LeBonte Club, and all of Petal, is so proud of Meagan and her accomplishments at the Mississippi Distinguished Young Women Program,” said Nicole Ruhnke, director of the Petal DYW program. “I have witnessed Meagan’s determination and hard work, as well as her kindness and humility, as she has served as Petal’s DYW and prepared for the State Program. She is intelligent, poised, graceful and talented.”
Ruhnke has been involved in the program for eight years, but this past year was her first to step into the director role.
Daniels, who serves as the coordinator of the Petal program, said she is proud of Smith’s accomplishments and is thrilled that she was able to represent the Petal community so well at the state program.
“She embodies Distinguished Young Woman's ‘Be Your Best Self’ motto and is an outstanding example of the growth this program can foster in young women,” Daniels said. “I hope that her story will inspire more young women from our community to become involved in the Distinguished Young Woman program and experience for themselves this transformative, challenging and worthwhile journey.”
Smith has said that the effort required to prepare for the program is worth it.
“The program is all about being your best self, and this rigorous, pressurized system helps build who they already are,” Daniels said. “Having known Smith for over a year or so now, I already saw those strengths in her.”
The program is designed to help participants hone their communication and interpersonal skills.
Smith touted Daniels’ aid in preparing for the interview portion of the competition, saying that Daniels helped her to state her opinions eloquently.
Smith received an award for fitness in the local competition, but the talent portion has been her favorite throughout the process. She performed a lyrical acro dance for the judges and audience in the state competition.
“I loved performing my talent because I love to dance and tumble,” Smith said before taking on state DYW. “I’ve been competing in gymnastics for 10 years and was a level 10 gymnast before an injury prevented me from continuing.”
However, she put her talents toward dancing, which was better suited for the DYW program.
While many who take part in competitions such as DYW state that meeting the other girls is one of the best parts of the program, Smith is no different. She says that the other young women have helped broaden her perspective throughout the entire process.
Daniels has said the yearlong process of preparation is never about the medal, but instead to be a role model for young women and set an example for them and the community.
Smith is the daughter of Jimmy and Sandi Smith. The high school junior hopes to become a physical therapist after continuing her education at the University of Southern Mississippi.
