Claire Hargrove was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Cumberland Valley for the Class of 2026 and Maggie Lynch was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Tullahoma for the Class of 2026 this past week. Both were awarded $1,000 in cash during a local scholarship program for high school girls held at Tullahoma High School.

Hargrove and Lynch were two of 12 high school junior girls from Tullahoma High School who competed to represent the Cumberland Valley/Tullahoma as the Distinguished Young Women for 2025. Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%), and Self-Expression (15%). 

Throughout the next year, Hargrove and Lynch will represent Cumberland Valley/Tullahoma at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

Claire Hargrove is the daughter of Brent and Emily Hargrove and is a junior at Tullahoma High School. Lynch is the daughter of Dan and Stacy Lynch and is a junior at Tullahoma High School. Both young ladies are involved in Distributive Education Clubs of America at Tullahoma High School. Hargrove is also a cheerleader at the school, while Lynch is on the softball and volleyball team. 

The State Finals will take place on July 11 and 12, 2025, in Cleveland, Tenn. Hargrove and Lynch, along with other local representatives, will travel to Cleveland from across the state to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of Tennessee for the Class of 2026 and for additional cash scholarships. 

About Distinguished Young Women

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Our mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, connecting with a nationwide network of women, developing their self-confidence, and participating in our Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. National sponsors include Mobile County, City of Mobile, Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation, Alabama Power Foundation, Gant Travel Management, Regions Financial Corporation, The Coffeen Family, John Cauley Jeweler, Jostens and Alabama Media Group.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Carly Bragg, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Carly@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.