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The Distinguished Young Woman of Rutherford County program was held on Saturday, March 22 at the Foundation Performing Arts Auditorium, with an audience of 386. The event celebrated and bid farewell to the Distinguished Young Woman of Rutherford County 2025, Andrea Narvaez-Santos.
Ava Garland was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Rutherford County for 2026, earning $8,950 in scholarships. She received preliminary scholarship awards in talent, fitness, and scholastics, as well as the overall awards in self-expression and interview. Ava is the daughter of Ritchie and Ashley Garland and attends Chase High School.
The class of 2026 participants-18 high school juniors from across Rutherford County-were judged in five areas: scholastics, interview, self-expression, talent, and fitness.
"When my name was called, I was completely overwhelmed, but so excited for the journey ahead," Ava said. "I also felt incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me and for the 15 amazing girls I got to share the stage with."
Ava said she decided to participate in Distinguished Young Women because she looked up to older dancers who participated, and she said she saw how they grew from the experience.
"I wanted to challenge myself in the same way," Ava said. "The best part so far has been connecting with the other girls and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Over the next year, I'll be preparing for the State program by refining my talent, working on public speaking, and staying involved in my community."
Ava performed a musical theatre dance to Don't Rain on My Parade by Lea Michele. "It's a song that's become a personal mantra for me," Ava said.
She has been dancing with DreamWeavers Dance Studio since she was one-year-old and said she has aways loved art in all forms.
Ava plans tog et a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts after high school.
One of the things I'm most excited about with this journey is getting to work with my community and grow as both an artist and a leader," she said.
A total of $21,250 in scholarships was awarded to participants. The evening was hosted by emcees Macey Strickland Butler and Mercedes Brush. Special entertainment was provided by Laura Kate Lovelace (2nd Finalist 2025), Anastyn Galloway (1st Finalist 2025), and Christina Haynes (Distinguished Young Woman of Buncombe County 2025).
Finalists:
3rd: Anna Neal, East Rutherford High School
2nd: Ashlynn Pressley, East Rutherford High School
1st: Ashelyn Brooks, Rutherford Early College High School
Be Your Best Self Awards: Emma Jones, Savannah Hodge
Spirit Award: Sydney Annunziata
Fitness Awards: Ashlynn Brooks, Emma Jones, Ava Garland
Overall: Ashelyn Pressley
Self-Expression Awards: Matilyne Bostic, Ashlynn Brooks, Sydney Annunziata
Overall: Ava Garland
Talent Awards: Ashlynn Brooks, Ava Garland Matilyne Bostic
Overall: Ashelyn Pressley
Interview Awards: Savannah Hodge, Addison Hill, Anna Neal, Overall: Ava Garland
Scholastic Awards: Anna Neal, Sydney Annunziata, Ava Garland,
Overall: Ashelyn Brooks
