According to the Oxford Language Dictionary, distinguished is defined as being “successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect.” However, junior Gracie Tyson, the 2026 Distinguished Young Woman of Pitt County, believes her role is much more.

     “So many people are going to blend in and fall short and fall flat, and you might too,” Tyson said. “But [people who] have that difference about [them] that makes [them] stand out in a way that nobody can explain, I think that's distinguished.”

     Each year, the national scholarship organization Distinguished Young Women (DYW) allows junior girls in high school across Pitt County to compete for the title. This year, three students from Rose participated: Sydney Collins, Raelyn Phillips and Tyson. 

     The five things contestants are graded on are scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. Tyson’s biggest strength was her talent: singing and 

Photo by Elliott Flinchbaugh 

playing the piano. The arts are her passion, and she has been involved in music since early childhood.

     “I was just born musically curious, so ever since I could reach the keys, [I have been] playing,” Tyson said.

     Outside of music, Tyson ice skates and participates in theater. She is extremely outgoing and always willing to speak, sing or perform in front of an audience. 

     “[My passion is] acting… and performing arts in general,” Tyson said. “Give me a piano, don't give me a piano, give me a microphone, don't give me a microphone; just put me on a stage.”

     However, more contributed to her success in the DYW program than just her inspiring talent. Tyson forged meaningful relationships with each of her fellow participants, and her extroverted qualities and natural leadership skills shone brightly within this group of people.

     “She's such a kind person and she's just so nice to everybody,” fellow DYW participant Sydney Collins said. “She's just really outgoing and she knows what she believes in and I think she'll represent Pitt County really well because she loves people.” 

     Before her performance, Tyson was feeling the pressure of success. However, with experience under her belt in front of a crowd, Tyson was eager to have this opportunity to show off her talents and test her capabilities.

     “I was nervous, obviously… but I was really excited because I love performing, and that's all it kind of was for me,” Tyson said. “They just tell us [to] do our best; be yourself.”

     Tyson performed “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, stunning the audience and judges with her musical aptitude.

     “She's obviously an amazing singer; she has a great talent,” Collins said. “It was crazy that she was able to play the piano and sing at the same time so well.”

     After weeks of rehearsals and a nerve-racking day filled with interviews and performances, Tyson was awarded first place and titled the Distinguished Young Woman of Pitt County.

     “[The DYW program] has taught me that… I can do hard things: if I've been chosen out of these 11 perfect women, then who am I to not accomplish my goals?” Tyson said. “It's just kind of affirming because I can do it, I've done it and now I can keep doing it.”

     Tyson believes she has gained invaluable knowledge and experience from participating in DYW. 

     “It was truly about self-help and self-development and just getting to support other people,” Tyson said.

     Tyson received a $4,000 scholarship for her success in the competition, but now, she is looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead. In January 2026, Tyson will advance to the state competition in Greensboro, North Carolina, to represent Pitt County. 

     “I don’t feel distinguished, but after I'm done, I'm going to be,” Tyson said. “I'm so grateful to have this title as an expectation to live up to, I think I have the potential, and I'm ready to step into that higher calling.”