Lilli Turner Named Winner of the 2025 Distinguished Young Woman Competition
By Kristin McGee and Sheila Duncan
The 2025 Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) competition was a night filled with talent, grace, and exemplary young women showcasing their achievements. The event, held in Bibb County at the Board of Education Auditorium, celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of participants in various categories.
This past Saturday, Lilli Turner clinched the title of Bibb County’s Distinguished Young Woman 2025. Her incredible performance, both on and off the stage, distinguished her from the rest of the competition. In addition to winning the overall title, she also placed in the Interview, Scholastic, Talent, Fitness and Self Expression categories. She also received a scholarship for her Be Your Best Self Essay and received the Spirit of DYW Award which is voted on by the participants as the individual who best embodies the essence and values of the program. As the winner, Lilli will proudly represent Bibb County in the upcoming DYW of Alabama program, scheduled to be held in Montgomery in January.
This year seven beautiful and talented young ladies who filled the stage. Demi Smith – West Blocton High School, parents are Rhonda Steele and David Steele and the late Brian Smith (little sisters Emily Putman and Maycie Eaton); Tessa Hanson – Hope Christian School, parents are Mike and Traci Hanson (little sisters Abbie Grace Downs and Savannah Gibson) ; Anna Johnston – Bibb County High School, parents are Brian and Kelly Johnston ( (little sisters Karleigh Bolding, Ava Pierson and Makenna Watkins); Lillian Grace Turner – Bibb County High School, parents are Jennifer Carey and Chris Turner (little sisters Tawyla Pewee, Dakayla Jackson and Shyanne Crim); Hannah Elizabeth Dellinger – Bibb County High School, parents are Stewart and Christina Dellinger; (little sisters Sarah Dellinger, Abbie Dellinger and Hannah Franklin) Alyssa Peak – West Blocton High School, parents are Kristie Peak and Ezekiel Peak (little sisters Lydia Allen and Ella Morris); Maggie Brundage – West Blocton High School, parents are Kim and Greg Brundage (little sisters Ellas Jones, Millie Wiginton and Emily Carden).
Tessa Hanson was named the 1st Alternate. She was the overall Talent and Fitness winner and also placed in Self Expression.
Alyssa Peak was named 2nd Alternate. She was the overall Self Expression winner and also placed in Interview, Scholastic, Talent, and Fitness categories.
Demi Smith and Hannah Dellinger were the 4th and 5th Finalists, respectively. Demi placed in Interview, Scholastic, Talent, Fitness and Self Expression. Demi also received a scholarship for her Be Your Best Self Essay and was awarded a Has Been scholarship. Hannah was the overall winner in Interview and Scholastic categories. She was also a place winner in Self Expression and received a Has Been scholarship.
Hannah Dellinger, Anna Johnston, and Lilli Turner demonstrated their remarkable fundraising abilities by raising over $1000 each in the Signature Contest. Their commitment to their communities and philanthropy is truly commendable.
Maggie Brundage was a place winner in Interview and Fitness. Anna Johnston was a place winner in the talent category.
The following contestants received scholarships based on their outstanding performances:
· Demi Smith: $2700 cash tuition scholarship
· Tessa Hanson: $2800 cash tuition scholarship
· Anna Johnston: $200 cash tuition scholarship and $200 Amazon Gift Card for the Signature Contest
· Lilli Turner: $4150 cash tuition scholarship and $200 Amazon Gift Card for the Signature Contest
· Hannah Dellinger: $2500 cash tuition scholarship and $200 Amazon Gift Card for the Signature Contest
· Alyssa Peak: $2,950 cash tuition scholarship
· Maggie Brundage: $600 cash tuition scholarship
The success of the DYW program would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors and scholarship donations. The following individuals, organizations, and businesses contributed to the 2024 program scholarships:
Platinum ($500 or more)
· Alabama Power
· Burkes Mechanical
· Brent Study Club
· Dr. Alan H Belcher Memorial
· Dan McGee Memorial
Gold Sponsor ($250-$499)
· Bibb County Farmers Federation
· BCDYW Board of Directors
· Alfa Insurance Ashton Cottingham
· Mrs. James M White Memorial
· Sydney Coleman
· Bibb Medical Center
· Renew Physical Therapy
· Trustmark Bank
· McKinney Wrecker
· First US Bank Centreville/Woodstock
Silver Sponsor ($101-$249)
. Bibb County Courthouse Officials (Kayla Cooner-Circuit Clerk, Craig Cargile-District Judge, Stephanie Kemmer-Probate Judge, Angie Langston-Tax Assessor/Collector)
· Brent Civitan Club
· Craig Cargile
· Dina and Jerry Pow
. Tabernacle Farms Pet Boarding
Bronze Sponsor ($100 or under)
· AmServ EMS
· Centreville Study Club
· Pam and Ken Cottingham
· Jo Ann Medders
. J&S Drug Store
· First Financial Bank
· The Oaks
· The Vance-Ellison House
. David Whitetails
. Darold Matthews
. Don and Priscilla Mack
· Jim Oakley
. Piggly Wiggly
Has Been Donors
. Sonya Scott Young
. Alex Lightsey
. Hannah Griffin
. Mattie Alston
. Summer Wirnsberger
. Sherri Locke Thrasher
. Ashley Brown Foster
. Kelley Brown Davis
. Angela Owens
. Kristin McGee Lowery
. Kinsley McGee Fowler
. Allie Moody Pridmore
. Kaitlyn Howard
. Amy Makaya
The 2025 Distinguished Young Woman competition showcased the remarkable talents, achievements, and community spirit of the contestants. The event celebrated the participants’ accomplishments, recognized their dedication to various categories, and provided scholarships to support their educational journeys. With Lilli set to represent Bibb County in the DYW of Alabama program, the future looks bright for these exceptional young women.
Congratulations Young Women!
