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By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal

Arianna Armstrong is The Calhoun School’s first Young Woman of Distinction.

She was crowned Calhoun’s Young Woman od Distinction 2017 by Miss Alabama State University Suna Njie at the school’s first annual Calhoun’s Young Woman of Distinction awards ceremony held in the school gym Friday, March 31.

Calhoun Guidance Counselor Erica D. (Chatman) Barnett said the program is designed to encourage young ladies to recognize the importance of setting goals, being healthy (physically and

emotionally), serving the community, staying educated and establishing morals

and ethical principles.

She said the program targets 11th grade girls.  And to participate, the girls were required to have

a 3.0 GPA, teacher recommendations, undergo an interview, and write a

250-300-word essay.

Armstrong received a $500 scholarship, a crown, and will serve as president of a mentoring group for next year’s Calhoun’s Young Woman of Distinction participants and as an ambassador for the program.

Runner up is Ariel Fonseca, received a $100 scholarship and will serve as vice-president of the mentoring group and also as an ambassador for the program.

Other contestants were Aerrien Tarrance, Kyaisha McDonald, De’Andrea Truitt, Ja’lea Russell. All contestants received a gift bag, flowers and a certificate.

The week of March 27-31 included speakers Cassandra Cash, nursing director at Orchard Nursing Home in Hayneville, Miss ASU Suna Njie, Coach Erica Heard and Tammy Maul of Selma University and Kimberly Washington Lowndes County.

Judges were Tiffany Martin, psychometrist/assessment coordinator, Dr. Renata Hollins, director of federal programs/special education, Kimberly M. Washington, director of human resources, Shamekia Garrett-Seaborn, Central High guidance counselor, and Dr. Benitha Mathews, director of technology/supervisor of the library media program.