News Summary
Lainey Schuesselin from Lafayette County was awarded the title of 2026 Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi during the final competition night at Evangel Temple in Meridian. The event showcased 32 talented young women from across the state. Schuesselin not only won the title but also received a $10,000 scholarship and several preliminary awards. The competition emphasized leadership and highlighted the accomplishments of the participants, celebrating both their achievements and personal growth.
Lainey Schuesselin Shines Bright as 2026 Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi
Meridian, Mississippi was the place to be as the final night of the **2026 Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi** program unfolded at Evangel Temple. With much excitement and anticipation in the air, this year’s competition welcomed a talented class of **32 young women** from various counties throughout the state.
A Crown for Lainey
In a remarkable evening filled with talent and grace, the crown was awarded to Lainey Schuesselin from Lafayette County. Not only did Schuesselin take home the title of **2026 Distinguished Young Woman**, but she also secured a whopping **$10,000 scholarship** for her outstanding achievement. Her performance was nothing short of stellar, showcasing her creativity and dedication.
Winning More Than Just a Title
The night was filled with surprises and excitement as Schuesselin also garnered **Overall Preliminary Awards** in three categories. Each of these awards came with an additional **$1,000 cash scholarship**—one for **Fitness**, another for **Self-Expression**, and a third for **Talent**. Students put on a fantastic show, and each preliminary award recipient took home **$400**, making the competition even more thrilling for all involved.
Shining Through the Competition
Among the many participants, Maylee Gilmer from Rankin County also made her mark. She received a **$1,500 cash scholarship** for her insightful **“Be Your Best Self” video submission**. The program, which promotes the **“Be Your Best Self” motto**, focuses on five essential values: **being healthy, ambitious, studious, responsible, and involved**. This motto guides participants on their journey towards personal and professional growth.
Celebrating Achievements of Young Women
As the night progressed, the **Top 10 finalists** were announced, which contributed to an air of suspense among the crowd. The competition also saw **Kimberly Ramirez** from Scott County take home the **“Spirit” Award**, voted on by her peers, along with a **$1,000 cash scholarship**. Mary Holland Nicholas from Starkville emerged as the **1st Alternate**, receiving a **$5,000 scholarship** and the **Overall Scholastic Award**, adding an extra **$2,000** to her winnings. Meanwhile, Mia Holmes from Lamar County was named **2nd Alternate**, taking home **$3,000**, and Mary Emerson Swindell from Madison County rounded out the alternates as the **3rd Alternate** with **$2,000** in scholarship funds.
A Legacy of Empowerment
This competition marked the **69th anniversary** of the Distinguished Young Women program in Mississippi, a tradition that has empowered young women for decades. The program emphasizes the cultivation of **leadership skills** and provides ample scholarship opportunities to support participants’ educational journey. Throughout the program, contestants engaged in meaningful **community service activities**, showcasing their commitment to making a difference.
Social Connections and Personal Growth
The evening concluded with participants enjoying various social events, culminating in a glamorous **red carpet party** that celebrated their hard work and achievements. Schuesselin reflected on the incredible bonds formed among her fellow contestants during the competition, emphasizing her personal growth through the experience.
As the audience applauded and celebrated, representatives from counties like Kemper, Newton, Neshoba, and Lauderdale also stood proud in the **Top 10**, demonstrating the incredible talent and spirit of young women across the state.
Looking Ahead
The **Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi** program continues to uplift and empower this generation of young leaders. With each passing year, it paves the way for future accomplishments and lifelong friendships, reinforcing the idea that together, young women can shine even brighter.
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Additional Resources
- WTOK: Lafayette County Senior Named 2026 Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi
- Wikipedia: Distinguished Young Women
- Meridian Star: Evans to Compete for Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi
- Google Search: Distinguished Young Women Mississippi
- WTOK: DYW Participants Share “Be Your Best Self” Message
- Google Scholar: Distinguished Young Women
- Magee News: Simpson County Distinguished Young Women’s Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarship (Education)
- Meridian Star: Courtney Named Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi 2025
- Google News: Distinguished Young Women
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
