Holland named 2026 Distinguished Young Woman

Avery Kate Holland was named the 2026 Neshoba County Distinguished Young Woman on Saturday, March 29, during a program held at the Neshoba Central Elementary Auditorium.

“I was really surprised and grateful for the opportunity that I was given,” Holland said. “Several girls that have been Distinguished Young Woman in the past told me about the experience and how much it changes you as a person, so I was really excited to experience that.”

Holland said she has long admired past winners Mary Kate Moran and Maggie Taylor, and she enjoyed watching her friends grow through the program last year.

This year, she said the participants focused on uplifting one another and made sure to have fun throughout the competition.

The theme of this year’s program was “Just Dance,” and it featured seven participants competing in the categories of interview, scholastics, talent, self-expression, and fitness.

Holland won the talent category with a flute solo, called “Fantasia Flamenco” by German composer Herman Beeftink.

“The song is based off of Spanish flamenco music,” Holland said. “It’s very fun, vibrant, and gives you the opportunity to do a lot of different things on your instrument—it was a way for me to challenge myself and grow as a musician.”

Holland has played the flute since sixth grade and began playing piano in second grade. Music has always been a significant part of her life. She is a member of Neshoba Central’s Big Blue Band as well as the Mississippi Lions All State Band.

Holland said the most challenging category for her was fitness. However, she particularly enjoyed the interview category because it helped her learn how to properly prepare for professional interviews in the future.

“I learned that even when I am struggling with something, I can continue to push myself and keep working harder if I have a goal in mind that I need to achieve,” she said. “It’s a privilege to be involved with so many great organizations and to feel that pressure.”

Looking ahead, Holland said she is most excited about meeting other Distinguished Young Women from across the state during the state competition, which will be held July 17–19 at the Evangel Temple in Meridian.

“I’m excited to share what Neshoba County is about,” she said. “I’m also really excited to serve my community through my service projects.”

Holland also credited her friends and family for encouraging her throughout the preparation process, giving her the determination to keep going.

Her advice to younger girls considering participating in DYW is to just do it. “It’s a great experience and not the easiest thing in the world, but it changes who you are and makes you a well-rounded person,” Holland said.

Holland is currently a junior at Neshoba Central and plans to earn her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. Her parents are Jason and Misty Holland.

In total, $7,000 in cash scholarships were awarded during the program, thanks to donations from local businesses. Holland received a $3,000 scholarship for earning the title and an additional $500 for winning the talent category.

Miley Fulton was named first alternate, receiving a $1,200 scholarship along with an additional $1,000 for her performance in the fitness and self-expression categories.

Liza Kate Long was named second alternate and awarded a $750 scholarship, along with $550 more for scholastics and the spirit award.

For more information about the Distinguished Young Women program, visit www.distinguishedyw.org