Local DYW Travis earns top-10 spot in Miss. program

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By MATT CRANE
sdnlife@bellsouth.net [2]

Holly Travis, Starkville’s representative at the Mississippi Distinguished Young Woman scholarship program, placed in the event’s top 10 Saturday.

Travis received a self-expression preliminary award Friday based on interviewing skills.
Lauderdale County’s Mackenzie Ross was named the overall winner.

Along with Travis, the top 10 included: Tearsa Brown of East Jackson County; Gabrielle Munn of Forrest County; Sara Gross of Leake County; Haley Thorton of Madison County; Rachel Varela of Meridian; Madison Kolbo of Petal; Dorothy Whitlock of Pontotoc County; and Olivia Day, west Jackson County representative.
The state program began Thursday in Meridian and featured 36 Mississippi high school seniors competing for more than $42,500 in scholarships.

Scores were gathered from five aspects of competition: scholastic achievement, fitness, self-expression, talent and interview.

Travis will enter her senior year at Starkville High School this fall where she will serve as student body president. She is a senior member of the dance company at the Academy of Competitive and Performing Arts in Starkville.

Travis said she plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a career as a human rights lawyer or a missionary.