For Marion County Distinguished Young Woman Abby Morris, this has been a year she will never forget. Not only as a senior at Columbia High School but in her role as DYW.
Morris is the daughter of Steve and Elizabeth Morris of Columbia. Her first real experience in the program was in July when she went to Meridian and competed in the state program.
She spent her first two months in her appointment preparing for the state level competition.
Morris said the competition at state was wonderful and she had a great time. The experience was a week long. Monday through Wednesday it was all practice and meeting the other contestants, her roommate and host family. Thursday through Saturday was the competition. She did her fitness and self-expression portion on Thursday night. Friday night was the talent portion where she performed “Piano Concerto in A Minor” theme from the 1st Movement by Edvard Grieg. Saturday night was the top 10.
While she did not place in the top 10, Morris said she was not disappointed.
“I felt really good about what I did. I did my best to my ability,” she said.
Of the other contestants, Morris said, “I have made so many new friends. I still keep in touch with the contestants.”
After state she returned home and began what has been a very crazy senior year. Morris was the cheer captain for the Wildcats. The cheerleaders earned second place in state in the large co-ed cheer. She also played volleyball.
She has held various offices within CHS’s student government and is currently senior class vice-president.
She is a member of the CoHiAn yearbook and Paw Print newspaper staff, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Key Club, SAVE Club and Art Club. Morris also serves as a Wildcat Ambassador and on the Principal’s Leadership Committee.
With all of that work, Morris is also a Superintendent’s Scholar, maintaining straight A’s.
“I have been living my senior year,” she said.
This year Marion County have four young ladies competing for the title of Distinguished Young Woman. Morris said she had actually begun helping the new contestants prepare for the competition, which will be held virtually due to the coronavirus.
While the school year in the building has come to an end, Morris is still hoping something will work out so she and her senior class will still have prom and graduation.
After graduation, she plans to attend Jones College where she will major in radiography. She plans to further her training in the field of radiation oncology or become a cardiovascular technician.
Morris said being the distinguished young woman for Marion County has been the best experience.
“It has made me grow as a person. It has been a very beneficial and rewarding opportunity,” she said.
