Press Release
Ashlynn Wooton, daughter of Amber and Jeremy Conkwright, was named the 2026 Lincoln County Distinguished Young Woman following completion of the scholarship program on Saturday night. She received $5,725 as the top participant and was a preliminary winner in the categories of interview, scholastics, and talent, earning additional cash scholarships of $2,175. Ashlynn also received $250 as one of four Spirit Award winners, given in memory of long-time supporter, Phyllis Cooley, and voted on by the participants. As the 2026 winner, Ashlynn will represent Lincoln County at the KY State program in January.
Ashlynn Wooton
The first runner-up and recipient of a $4,625 scholarship was Abby Bastin, daughter of Nick and Melanie Bastin. Additionally, she received $1000 as the Scholastic Achievement winner and earned $1,050 with preliminary awards in self-expression, and fitness. Abby was also recognized with a $425 cash scholarship through the Nancy Leedy Memorial Friends of Lincoln County DYW.
Second runner-up in the program was Audrey Foster, daughter of Daniel and Jennifer Foster. She received $3,625 as a top five participant and was awarded $550 as the overall self-expression winner as well as a total of $1300 for preliminary awards in both scholastics and fitness. Audrey also received a $325 Friends of Lincoln County DYW scholarship.
Shelby Howard, daughter of April and Shannon Howard, received $2,625 as the third runner-up in the 2026 program. She earned an additional $1000 as the overall interview winner and a $525 preliminary award in self-expression. Shelby also received $350 as one of four Character Counts Scholarship winners, given in memory of Sheila Underwood.
Fourth runner-up and recipient of a $1,925 scholarship was Callie Toohey, daughter of Rebecca and Charles Toohey.
She also received preliminary awards in both scholastic achievement and interview, totaling $1,550.
4th runner-up Callie Toohey 2nd runner-up Audrey Foster Ashlynn Wooton 2026 winner 1st runner-up Abby Bastin 3rd runner-up Shelby Howard
Other award winners Saturday evening included: Kaitlyn Yocum, daughter of Becky and Keith Yocum, who received $550 as the overall fitness winner and a $525 preliminary award in self-expression. She was also named a $250 co-recipient of the Phyllis Cooley Spirit Award and earned $1000 as the top Friends of DYW scholarship winner.
Raelee Lawson, daughter of Hannah and Tyler Lawson, won a $775 preliminary award in interview and was also named a Spirit Award winner, receiving $250.
Carlee Weaver, daughter of Jamie and Coby Jenkins, also was a preliminary award winner in interview, earning $775, and received $700 as the runner-up in the Friends of DYW Scholarship.
Sarina Caudill, daughter of Anita and Roy Caudill, was awarded $625 as a preliminary talent winner and $350 as one of the Character Counts Award recipients.
Annabelle Stephens, daughter of Amanda and Loral Richardson and Doug and Tyra Stephens, received a $625 preliminary award in talent, $250 as a Spirit Award winner, and an additional $250 through the Friends of DYW Scholarship.
Shelby Smith, daughter of Mary and Travis Smith, earned $525 as a self-expression preliminary winner and $350 as a co-recipient of the Character Counts Award.
Brooklyn Sexton, daughter of Brittany Shackleford and Gregory and Makayla Sexton, received a preliminary talent award of $625 and $275 as one of four recipients of the Jennifer Baker Memorial Be Your Best Self Award.
Kamryn Downs, daughter of Jennifer and Juston Heizer, earned a preliminary fitness award of $525 and $350 as a Character Counts Award winner.
Hailee Hardy, daughter of Kimberly and Ken Harris, received $675 as the overall talent winner and a $275 Be Your Best Self Award.
Maddie Cassidy, daughter of Samantha and Stephen Cassidy, was a $525 preliminary winner in fitness and a $275 co-recipient of the Be Your Best Self Award.
Other program winners include:
Madilynn Shepperson, daughter of Vanessa and Richard Shepperson, a $775 preliminary winner in scholastics.
Kristina Silverthorn, daughter of Rhonda and Neil Silverthorn, a $275 Be Your Be Self Award winner.
A total of $42,000 in cash scholarships was given during the evening, making the Lincoln County DYW Scholarship Program the top program in the state of KY and the nation. We are grateful for our supportive community and all those who continue to donate their time, energy, talents, and gifts to this special event. Ashlynn will compete with all the other local representatives for the state title in January at the Singletary Center of the Arts.
