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BY LANCE GAITHER

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Chloe Perkins plans to study pharmacy when she head off to the University of Kentucky in the fall. She credits the Distinguished Young Woman program for helping her achieve her goals.

In January, Perkins was one of 27 high school senior girls from Kentucky to compete in the statewide event. Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%) and Self-Expression (15%).

Perkins preformed a dance to the song “Let Her Go” by Passenger.

“The Distinguished Young Women Program has brought me many opportunities. It has helped to bring forward my best self, as well as help me encourage others to strive and be their best selves,” Perkins said. “This whole experience has been amazing and I encourage all upcoming senior girls to participate. I think the biggest thing is, truly the mantra of the program, which is ‘Be Your Best Self’ and its outreach message. I am so excited for the opportunities that the Distinguished Young Women program has given me! The scholarships Distinguished Young Woman has awarded me, and the other scholarships that Distinguished Young Woman helped prepare me to achieve, are allowing me to attend the University of Kentucky in August 2023. I will be a student at University of Kentucky: College of Health Sciences and Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College. I was recently notified of my acceptance to the University of Kentucky Lewis Honors College, in which there were over 4,500 applicants and only roughly 500 students were admitted. This year’s applicant pool was the largest and most competitive ever. I truly feel that without the experience, confidence and interview skills gained from the local and state Distinguished Young Woman programs, this would not have been possible! All of these programs will coincide in my studies, where I will pursue a degree in pharmacy.”

Perkins said she has received $7,050 to use toward her college education, and believes that the Distinguished Young Woman program can benefit others who participate.

“This experience is something that I will never take for granted and I know it is going to follow me for the rest of my life,” Perkins said. “It has changed the way I think about life, those around me, and even myself. I am more confident in myself and know what I am capable of for my life and my future in healthcare. The program will push you out of your comfort zone, where you will grow in so many areas. State week was absolutely amazing and pushed me to my limits. I have gained so many new lifelong friends across Kentucky. I recommend it to everyone.”

Chloe Perkins was Lincoln County’s representative in the recent statewide Distinguished Young Woman program. Carpe Imago photo by Chris Zollner