The title of Kingfisher County Distinguished Young Woman of 2022 is owned by Katon Lunsford.

The Kingfisher High School junior on Saturday earned the honor during the scholarship program’s 54th annual event at Heritage School Auditorium.

She was congratulated on stage by last year’s winner, Cora Taylor, who is now a KHS senior.

“It was such an honor to be named the winner,” said Lunsford, the daughter of Kenny and Meggan Lunsford of Kingfisher.

“We all stood on stage waiting for the results and hearing my named called was awesome.”

Lunsford has qualified to compete in the state DYW competition in July 2021 in Bartlesville.

Abby Hansen of Lomega was named first runner-up and the winner of the talent portion of the competition.

Hansen sang “Scars to Your Beautiful” for her talent.

Grace Sinclair, also of KHS, won the Be Your Best Self Award.

Okarche’s Mackenzie Schneiter won the Spirit of DYW Award.

Lunsford also hauled in honors for the scholastic, interview and fitness.

She won $1,600 of the $3,000 in scholarships that were presented.

The competition put an end to six weeks of practice by the contestants.

“Learning everything was tough at first,” Lunsford said. “But once we got the hang of it, it was really fun.”

She said competitors in this year’s field “was great competition, but we all enjoyed each other.”

New Kingfisher County DYW Director Tiffanie Barnett said this year’s event was a success due in large part to the young ladies who competed.

“In a world of technology, it’s easy to text, email and get used to not having in-person, one-on-one contact or speaking in front of a crowd,” Barnett said.

“These four individuals willingly showed their leadership and confidence - maybe stepping out of a comfort zone - and should be very proud of their performances.”