Molly Wise was all smiles after being named Boyle County's Distinguished Young Woman a year ago. (Chris Zollner Photo)
Molly Wise won the first Distinguished Young Woman competition in Boyle County a year ago and has fond memories of everything about the program.
Boyle’s second Distinguished Young Woman competition will be in Gravely Hall at Danville High School Aug. 13. Ten participants will compete in five categories: Interview, Self Expression, Talent, Fitness and Academics.
“It’s a great group and I cannot wait to see them bring it,” Wise said.
After winning the competition, Wise went on to win four state track championships during the 2021-22 school year and earn a track scholarship to the University of Richmond. She also excelled in the classroom.
Because she also was a vaughtsviews.com intern, I had a chance to watch Wise shine in so many ways during the last year. That’s why I wanted to give her a chance to share just what being named Boyle County’s Distinguished Young Woman.
Question: What did winning DYW mean to you a year ago and how has it impacted your life?
Molly Wise: “Obviously, after the county program, I was extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent Boyle County, but had only seen a glimpse of the true DYW spirit. It wasn’t until my week at the State program, surrounded by young women from all over Kentucky that I fully understood what I had been pulled into.
“Of course everyone has an individual experience, but mine centered around growth. Throughout my senior year, I was shaped and guided to fit my role as Distinguished Young Woman of Boyle County through the examples of my mentors and fellow representatives. They taught me how to lead with poise, speak confidently, and balance the responsibility of being in the public eye. I can honestly say over this past year I’m a different person, a better person because of this program.”
Question: For those competing this year, what advice would you have?
Molly Wise: “As far as advice for our up and comers, be true to yourself. Don’t change for the stage spotlight. But practice does make perfect and your fitness routine looks better than you think. And even after your run as a participant ends wherever that may be, still continue to take advantage of your DYW community because as long as you’re involved, their support is unwavering. It’s your own personal cheering section. And lastly, don’t be close minded because this program swings so many doors wide open and all you have to do is walk through.”
Question: What made you even decide to enter the contest last year?
Molly Wise: “I was drawn to our local program last year because one of my role models that I had grown up with in church, 2018 Boyle County DYW Jessie Majors, along with her mother Donna Majors decided to give young women in the area the same opportunities that had been so influential to their own lives.
“With it being our first year as an organized county program, I was a little skeptical because it was out of my comfort zone to say the least. But with college looming and the promise of scholarship, I entered and I could not be happier that I did because while the local and state scholarships will be going a long way to help with college expenses, I gained so much more that outweighs any monetary value.”
Question: What do you think is the biggest benefit of competing no matter where you might finish in the competition?
Molly Wise: “Regardless of how much time you spend as a participant, there’s so much to gain. Mainly, like I’ve said before, a firm and ever growing support system with never ending connections is priceless. Also, the core values of the program that teach healthy living, grace, strong public speaking skills, and self confidence are lifelong lessons that are especially important as young women enter adulthood.”
Question: What was the best part of DYW for you?
Molly Wise: “Personally, the best part of DYW for me was being able to look back at my senior year and see the changes in myself from the beginning of my DYW journey. There were so many opportunities that allowed me to push myself and become confident in who I am now.”
“I’m also so appreciative of the week spent in Lexington with my host family and roommate, Christian County’s Alison Craig. It is truly an experience of a lifetime and they’ve become my second family. Not to mention the other extremely close connections I had with the rest of the 2022 class and now, regardless of where I am statewide, I have a friend waiting with open arms.”
