BEDFORD — The Distinguished Young Women of Lawrence County Program for the Class of 2026 will take place Saturday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. at the Bedford North Lawrence Performing Arts Center.
The annual scholarship program recognizes outstanding high school women for their academic achievements, leadership, and individual talents. Contestants are evaluated in five categories: scholastics, interview, talent, fitness, and self-expression.
The Lawrence County winner will advance to the state program in February 2026, with the opportunity to compete at the national level in Mobile, Alabama, the following summer.
Admission to the Nov. 15 program is $5.
Last year’s Distinguished Young Woman, Francesca Orozco, excelled both in the classroom and on the field as a scholar-athlete and valedictorian at Bedford North Lawrence High School. She’s now taking her talents to the University of Miami to study law.
This year’s senior contestants all attend Bedford North Lawrence High School.
Kinleigh Root
- Parents: Kentlee and Christina Root
- College: Indiana University or University of Evansville
- Career Choice: Chiropractor or Physical Therapist
LiliAnne Conner
- Parents: Brent and Alyssa Conner
- College: Indiana Wesleyan College
- Career Choice: Attorney
Heather Stigall
- Parents: Heather and Jeremy Stigall
- College: Purdue University
- Career Choice: Veterinarian
Rachael Barr
- Parents: K.C. Barr and Anne West
- College: Marion University
- Career Choice: Interventional Radiology
Kayeh Kwakye
- Parents: Michael Kwakye
- College: Indiana University
- Career Choice: Pediatric Therapist
Jayella Filler
- Parents: Jason and Anna Filler
- College: Purdue University
- Career Choice: Physician’s Assistant
