Bodner to represent Lincoln County as DYW

Published 1:52 pm Thursday, December 5, 2024

By Casey Roberts

Contributing Writer

Lincoln County High School senior Alayna Bodner will represent her community at the state Distinguished Young Woman program in January, showcasing her talent and poise in Kentucky’s oldest and largest national scholarship program for high school girls.

Bodner said her inspiration to participate came from years of watching local girls she admired compete in the program.

“Every year, I loved watching the girls that were friends and mentors to me perform so well, and I knew I wanted to do the same,” Bodner said. “The support within our community for this program inspired me to participate as well. It truly takes an army, and we have the best people guiding and supporting these girls each year.”

Selected as Lincoln County’s Distinguished Young Woman earlier this year, Bodner expressed her excitement about advancing to the state competition, where she will join 28 other participants from across Kentucky.

“It’s so exciting to be able to go and compete with other incredible young ladies from around the state,” Bodner said. “It’s my biggest hope that I can use my skills and talents that have been shaped by those around me to represent us well and make everyone here at home proud.”

Bodner will compete in five categories: talent, interview, self-expression, scholastics, and fitness. She plans to perform an original song during the talent portion, share a prepared statement for self-expression, and participate in a choreographed fitness routine.

“The most rewarding part of this journey so far has been the personal growth that has come from the experience,” she said. “I feel that this program has strengthened skills I will take with me into my college years and beyond, including confidence, public speaking, and interview skills.”

Reflecting on her local program experience, Bodner expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from her community, family, and friends.

“The support from the community is something I believe is unique to Lincoln County,” she said. “We have a committee that devotes countless hours toward the program and us girls. Apart from the committee, so many families and businesses support and fund the scholarships we receive. It’s inspiring to see how much they give, as our program gives out the most scholarships in the state.”

Bodner also credited several mentors and supporters, including Stuart Underwood, Angela Todd, Diana Hart, Karen Floyd, Kate Todd, and her parents, for helping her prepare for the program and encouraging her along the way.

As she looks ahead to the state competition, Bodner said she is most excited about making new friends and creating lasting memories with her fellow participants.

“I hope to take away from this experience many more great memories and experiences,” she said. “Participating in this program leaves me feeling more equipped to begin college and my adult life.”

Bodner plans to attend the University of Louisville in the fall of 2025.

The state Distinguished Young Woman program will take place in January, with participants competing for scholarship awards and the opportunity to represent Kentucky at the national competition.