Not even a major setback could keep Katon Lunsford from shining at the state’s Distinguished Young Women program.

The Kingfisher High School senior won three portions of the contest, earned another individual honor and was the second runner-up last Saturday night at Owasso.

In all, Lunsford earned $1,600 in scholarships.

“I enjoyed getting to meet girls from around the state and competing on a higher level,” said Lunsford who won the Kingfisher County DYW crown last November.

To prepare for the state competition, Lunsford and other contestants were emailed information at the beginning of June and were given two months to learn the fitness routine on their own.

Once July hit, however, so did adversity.

Lunsford was diagnosed with mononucleosis, which meant no physical activity for four weeks.

Once she was cleared to resume activities, it was crunch time, though she received a big assist from Katie Ward.

Ward served as the judges’ chairman at last year’s county program and played a valuable role for new director Tiffanie Barnett.

The 2008 Kingfisher County Junior Miss winner, Ward worked with Lunsford to ensure she knew the routine for state.

“It was a little crazy for a little bit,” Lunsford said. “But we practiced every night for a week and a half to get everything in.”

In Owasso, contestants met July 29 and 30. There was a dress rehearsal early on July 31 and the competition was that night.

When awards were announced, Lunsford hauled in scholarships for winning the scholarship, interview and spirit portions.

She was also named the winner of the People’s Choice Award, which came with a cash prize.

“I am so proud of Katon and what she brought to state DYW,” Ward said.

“She had a couple setbacks this year after gaining her title of Kingfisher County DYW, but she has persevered through it all. She has truly shown how to ‘be your best self’ in all areas of her life, which is what DYW focuses on.”

Lunsford has spent the past year riding in parades, speaking to younger girls about the DYW program and even served as host of Kingfisher’s Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker contest.

“Katon has represented Kingfisher County DYW well in the past year,” added Barnett.

“She has participated in several activities and will be speaking to the county high school junior classes in the next few weeks to promote the scholarship program before she turns it over in November to the next DYW.”

Lunsford said she’s also excited to crown her successor.

“I’ve had a lot of fun speaking to young girls about the Distinguished Young Women Program,” she said. “The local program is so fun and I can’t wait to see the new representative.”