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Butler County has a new Distinguished Young Woman for 2023. Vivian Gates was named DYW 2023 during the annual completion on July 23, 2022 at the Ritz Theater in downtown Greenville.

Five young ladies showcased their talents and personalities on stage in hopes of gaining a scholarship to further their educations.

Gates walked away with the title of DYW 2023 and first place in Talent and Interview. She will represent Butler County at the state level which is scheduled for January 2023.

Gates played “Flight of the Bumble Bee” on flute for the talent portion of the competition.

“I picked that song because it was challenging and I wanted something that would challenge me. I also wanted to play something fun,” Gates said. She has been a member of band for going on eight years.

Gates is also active in the Broadcast Club at Greenville High School called Tiger TV, member of the scholars’ bowl team, involved in student government, and a member of the National Honor Society.

The University of Illinois is Gates first choice for out of state colleges.

“I chose that school because of their exceptional music educational program which is what my future career will be in,” she said. She aspires to be a collegiate band director

Gates is not new to DYW. She was a “little sister” last year which she said inspired her to compete this year.

“Being a little sister helped me understand the program a lot,” she said.

Gates was a big sister this year and she hopes she convinced her to participate in DYW next year.

“It is more than a pageant, it is for scholarships, the experience, and just getting close to the girls you are with,” Gates said. The DYW was Gates first pageant.

She plans to work out a lot to prepare for the state competition. Gates wants to master her talent portion even more and work on her interview skills.

Kalee Russell was awarded first runner-up. She also received first place in Fitness and Essay.

Hannah Scruggs was awarded first in Scholastics. Annsley Wallace placed first in both Self Expression and Spirit.

The Proud Papa award was awarded to all five ladies: Vivian Gates, Kalee Russell, Maire Scott, Annsley Wallace, and Hannah Scruggs.