Beckley teen to compete in 67th Distinguished Young Women National Finals

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — A West Virginia teenager will have the chance to earn prestigious recognition.

Mackenzie Adkins of Beckley, West Virginia will travel to Mobile, Alabama on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 to compete in the 67th Distinguished Young Women National Finals.

The finals for this event will take place on June 27, 2024, June 28, 2024 and June 29, 2024 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater. Adkins is one of 50 other applicants who will compete for $155,000 in cash that will be used for scholarships. She will also have the opportunity to win the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2024.

In preparation for this event, Adkins will participate in various activities related to five different assessment categories: academics, interview, fitness, talent and self-expression. Over the course of two weeks in Mobile, Adkins will participate in community service, team building activities, interact with the Gulf Coast community and rehearse to prepare for the three-night fellowship program.

“We are excited to welcome the state's 50 outstanding representatives to Mobile for the 67th Annual Distinguished Young Women National Finals. These young women are accomplished, talented, intelligent and have exciting futures ahead of them,” said Carole Hegwood, executive director of Distinguished Young Women.

If chosen, Adkins will spend the next year representing distinguished young women across the country through appearances and promotions of the program. Be the best of yourself initiative. This awareness program helps combat important issues such as childhood obesity, high school dropout rates, and encourage young people to get involved in their community through community service. The program is based on five factors, namely being healthy, being involved, being studious, being ambitious and being responsible.

Mackenzie Adkins is a 2024 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and the daughter of Angela Blankenship.