New beginning for program’s end, Vermillion wins competition

Saturday was a night of beginnings and endings at the Grainger Hill Performing Arts Center.

Hannah Vermillion began a year as the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Kinston-Greene County, starting a journey of new relationships and experiences representing her home base.

The Kinston program saw its end, having participated in the national scholarship program, formerly Junior Miss, for 40 years, beginning with Jan Howard Hartley, the Kinston-Lenoir County Junior Miss 1974.

Vermillion is a junior at Kinston High School, the daughter of Tom and Gayla Vermillion. She also won in scholastic, interview, fitness, talent and self-expression preliminaries.

“I’m so excited,” said Vermillion on stage after the announcement was made. “I am shocked, but participating has been such a good experience. I really am excited for what’s ahead.”

Molly Riddick, also a Kinston High junior, won the Spirit Award. She also won in scholastic, interview and self-expression. She is the daughter of Michael and Mary Riddick.

Sydne Marshall won in fitness and talent preliminary competition. She is homeschooled and is the daughter of Tonyu and Terrial Suggs.

The evening honored Sarah Albritton, Kinston-Greene County Distinguished Young Woman 2013, who performed and gave her farewell; and recognized Garde Parson, chairman of the Kinston program.

Emceed by Claire Hill, Kinston Junior Miss 2007, the evening welcomed representatives of visiting programs and a variety of former winners and participants from Kinston and Lenoir County who performed specialty acts and paid homage to the Kinston program and its leaders.

Returnees included Lauren Wiggins, Kinston Junior Miss 2009; Mary Bec Keith, Kinston Jr. Miss 2010, and her sister Anna Keith, a 2011 runner-up; Rachael Delaney, Kinston Jr. Miss and Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina 2011; Jillian Raney, 2013 participant; Lauren Melton Lewis, Lenoir County and N.C. Junior Miss 2004; Diana Hardy, Lenoir County Jr. Miss 2006; and Morgan Harrison, Lenoir County Distinguished Young Woman 2013.

“This competition tonight is the final one for the Kinston program,” said Parson. “Hannah will retain her title and represent Kinston-Greene County throughout the year and at the state program in February.”

Girls who are high school juniors, live in Kinston-Lenoir County and are interested in participating in the Distinguished Young Woman program can contact Mia Heath or Mellany Davis with the Lenoir County Program or go to the Distinguished Young Women website, DistinguishedYW.org.

Nancy S. Saunders can be reached at 252-559-1079 or Nancy.Saunders@Kinston.com.

Breakout

Scholarships and Awards

Hannah Vermillion, Distinguished Young Woman of Kinston-Greene County 2014

$2,200 scholarship and certificate; Distinguished Young Woman medallion; $200 wardrobe allowance; 16 x 20 portrait by Isaac Hines; certificates and $100 each for wins in scholastic, interview, fitness, talent and self-expression categories

Molly Riddick, Spirit Award, $200; certificates and $100 each for wins in scholastic, interview and self-expression categories

Sydne Marshall, certificates and $100 each for wins in fitness and talent categories