By Alyssa Boles

A graduate of Warren County High School was named one of eight finalists in the Distinguished Young Women national competition, coming just shy of winning the event.

Mary Humphrey, a 2020 WCHS graduate, will attend Lipscomb University in the fall, where she plans to pursue a career in musical theatre performance and sports medicine. Helping her in that endeavor will be a $5,000 cash scholarship, as well as a $1,000 preliminary scholastics award from the Distinguished Young Women competition.

“I was looking for more scholarship opportunities for young women,” said Humphrey. “This program came up and it soon became evident that it would be a great fit for me.” 

Historically the competition has taken place in its founding city of Mobile, Ala. This year, due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the competition was conducted digitally and was showcased in a three-night online broadcast. 

After winning the Tennessee competition, Humphrey began preparing for the 63rd annual national event.

“I spent several days performing my talent and fitness to record for the competition. I also spent almost two months preparing for interview and onstage questions, which took place over Zoom,” said Humphrey. 

The competition evaluates participants in the following categories: Scholastics – 25%, Interview – 25%, Talent – 20%, Fitness – 15%, and Self-Expression – 15%. 

“Throughout this program, I learned the true value of perseverance and that I can accomplish anything if I push myself. I also learned important interview and public speaking skills that I can carry with me for the rest of my life,” Humphrey said.