Jean Gordon
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 11:16 am
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Ava Garland continues to make Rutherford County proud after participating in the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) of North Carolina scholarship program held recently in Greensboro.
At the 2026 scholarship program, the Chase High School senior was named third runner-up in the state program, winning $2,300 in scholarships. In the preliminary wins, Ava was named Overall Fitness recipient and received a $500 scholarship. She also received $300 in scholarships as being one of three Talent award recipients. Mabry Rudy of Wayne County and Julie Fields of Wake County were also talent winners.
Alexis Vander Poppen was named the 2026 Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina. Other top winners at the state competition in addition to Ava were Mabry Chudy (1st Runner-up), Ella Kate DeLapp (2nd Runner-up).
The DYW program recognizes scholarship, leadership, and talent in high school seniors.
Ava said she was extremely proud of herself for placing, "but to be honest I am more proud that I participated and got to experience such an incredible week of growth and new opportunities."
Ava's roommate for the week in Greensboro was the state winner, Alexis.
"I could not be more proud. She will be an outstanding representative for the state of NC and I can not wait to cheer her on in Alabama," Ava said.
For the talent competition, for which she was named a preliminary winner, Ava did a contemporary dance routine to a version of "Let it Be" by the Beatles.
"This song is one that means a lot to me over the past few years," Ava said.
Ava has been dancing with DreamWeavers Dance Studio since she was one and said she has always loved art in all forms.
Ava plans to get a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts after high school.
Ava talked about the first DYW program she attended when she was three days old.
"My aunt Sarah was representing Rutherford County as "junior miss" (as it used to be called)," Ava began. "I have grown up watching older girls compete and talk about how transformative it was to them. To be honest, I never really realized just how much it meant to me until I went through the program myself. I am incredibly thankful for all the girls in my local program, state program participants, my family, the Rutherford County DYW committee and everyone who came to support me even in the bad weather. It was such an honor to represent Rutherford County," Ava said. The scholarship program was held the weekend the winter storm of ice, snow and sleet arrived in North Carolina.
Ava encourages high school juniors to be a part of the local program.
"I would tell anyone who is thinking of being involved to DO IT. It teaches you skills you will use for your entire life, like healthy living, interview skills, presentation skills, and much more," she said.
Ava's trip to Greensboro in January was the result of being named Distinguished Young Woman of Rutherford County for 2026 where she earned $8,950 in local scholarships. At the local program last March, she received preliminary scholarship awards in talent, fitness, and scholastics, as well as the overall awards in self-expression and interview.
Ava said she decided to participate in Distinguished Young Women local program 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.
Ava is the daughter of Ritchie and Ashley Garland of Forest City.
Along with her parents and family, a contingent of Rutherford County DYW supporters and friends attended the state program.
The Distinguished Young Women of Rutherford County (Class of 2027) will be held Saturday, March 21 at the Foundation, Isothermal Community College. There are seven participants.