Purdom crowned Distinguished Young Woman

Shorty Lassiter

Beth Purdom, left, reacted to winning the Distinguished Young Women competition on Saturday at Washington County High School. To her right are Amelia Hilton (2) and Sara Beth Wimsatt.

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For Beth Purdom, Saturday night was one to remember.
Purdom was crowned Distinguished Young Woman of Washington County in front of an audience at the Washington County High School gymnasium.
“It was the most overwhelming and exciting feeling I’ve ever had in my life,” she said.
She competed against 16 contestants in categories such as scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self expression.
Purdom sang  “Beauty and the Beast” for her talent, something she prepared many months for.
“I started taking vocal (lessons) several months prior to practice (for the event),” Purdom said. “I’ve been working on it for quite a while.”
Purdom said she was nervous before she started singing on Saturday, but the nerves went away after she began singing and she enjoyed herself.
Jennifer Lewis was the first runner-up, while LeeAnn Abell was the second runner-up. Callah Kimball was the third runner-up.
Maegen Satterly won overall scholastic and Erica Walker won preliminary scholastic.
Mary Murphy and Purdom won interview awards.
Erica Walker and Hanna Adkins won talent awards, while Purdom and Adkins won self expression awards.
Purdom and Abell won fitness awards, as well.
Catherine Marrinan won the spirit award.
Purdom will compete at the state-level Distinguished Young Women competition in January.
She plans to attend the University of Kentucky and pursue a medical career.
She is the daughter of Patricia and Greg Simms and Trae and Karen Purdom.