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The 2025 Distinguished Young Women of Butler and Lowndes County Scholarship Program was held at the Ritz Theatre Saturday. During the program, Butler County participants showcased their talents with everything from original artwork and dance numbers to flute solos and baton twirling and Lowndes County participants captivated the audience with a poetry performance and a theatrical musical comedy piece from “Annie.” 

April Lowery, who served as the event’s master of ceremonies, explained how participants were scored to determine the winners.

“Before the program, 50% of the participants’ scores were already completed,” Lowery said.

The grading included scores for scholastics, such as transcripts and college entry exam scores, as well as a ten-minute personal interview with the judges.

“You get to see the remaining 50% of the competition during the on-stage presentation of self-expression, talent and fitness,” Lowery added.

The judging portion of the program concluded with the young women split into two groups, highlighting their athleticism with a fitness routine.

Butler County’s second runner-up, receiving a $1,000 scholarship, was Eva Shealy from Greenville High School. The title of first runner-up, with a $1,500 scholarship, went to Katie Nimmer, also from Greenville High School. The title of Butler County Distinguished Young Woman of 2025, receiving a $2,000 scholarship and the right to represent Butler County at the state level, went to Greenville High School’s Lola Miller.

“This has been such an enlightening experience where I got to meet some of the most amazing girls and I’ve made life-long friendships,” Miller said. “I’m so excited to compete in the state competition. It’s a little bit daunting, but I know with the great team that we have behind us, we’re going to do great.”

The Lowndes County first runner-up, receiving a $1,500 scholarship, was Calhoun High School’s Kayla Timmons. The 2025 Distinguished Young Woman of Lowndes County, awarded a $2,000 scholarship and the opportunity to represent her county at the state level, was Lowndes Academy student Riley Lane.

“I think this experience is truly life-changing,” Lane said. “You don’t really know at the beginning of the week, but by the end, you’ve met the greatest group of girls that are so positive and lift you up in everything you do. I’m so excited for state.”

Additional scholarships awarded included the Scholastics Award to Lauren Kendrick, the Talent Award to Lola Miller, the Fitness Award to Eva Shealy, and the Self-Expression Award to Katie Nimmer.