Kaitlyn Bradford will have an exciting year ahead as she was chosen as Marion County’s Distinguished Young Woman during Saturday evening’s competition.
The junior at West Marion High School also won the “Be Your Best Self” essay contest. This year’s theme for the competition was “Color My World.”
“It’s really such an honor to represent my family, school and county in such a great way,” Bradford said. “I’m really excited to see what’s in store for my journey of Marion County’s Distinguished Young Woman of 2019.”
Bradford will compete for the state title in Meridian in July and said she’ll begin preparing right after spring break.
Jennifer Stringer of Columbia High School won the Spirit of DYW Award, Sarah Mason of Columbia Academy won the Scholastic Award and First Alternate will be Katelyn Morris of Columbia High.
Emily Rayborn was named Volunteer of the Year during the presentation, held at the Crystelle Ford Auditorium of Columbia High School.
Bradford plans to attend the University of Mississippi and become a prenatal/pediatric genetic counselor or a pharmacist. She is a varsity cheerleader and is involved in the show choir, National Honor Society, student council, Mu Alpha Theta, First Priority, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Diamond Girls, Crown Club and Future Farmers of America. Bradford’s Little Sister for the event was Maddie Pittman, and her attendant was Katelyn Albritton.
Mason plans to attend William Carey University and become a music educator. Her Little Sister was Kayla Hammond, and her attendant was Abbigail Rink.
Morris plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi with a goal of becoming a trauma surgeon. Morris’ Little Sister was Abby King, and her attendant was Elizabeth Cleland.
Stringer plans to attend Mississippi State University to become a zoo and marine biologist. Olivia Carney was Stringer’s Little Sister, and Georgia Rayborn was her attendant.
Pictured Above: Kaitlyn Bradford competes for the title of Marion County’s Distinguished Young Woman Saturday at Columbia High School. The West Marion High School junior took the crown for 2019 and will compete in Meridian in July for the state title. | Photo by Mark Rogers
