Caitlin Hicks won more last Saturday afternoon than just a medal.

Hicks won $1,400 competing in the Distinguished Young Women of Pike County Program, which stresses scholastics and self-expression over beauty. Contestants are not judged off of their appearance, and Hicks said that was a major factor in her participation with the program.

“One of the things I love most actually is that they don’t give a crown when you win,” Hicks said. “They give a medal. A crown almost implies they’re encouraging some false princess reality, but a medal means you’ve achieved something. I think that it’s really great they don’t base it off looks, because that’s not what life is about.”

A secondary portion of the program was the “Be Your Best Self,” essay and Hicks said she was able to express her thoughts on what it truly means to be your best self.

“One of the main things I talked about was how if we can embrace all the five elements of the ‘Be Your Best Self’ essay we can find ourselves,” Hicks said. “Because a lot of times growing up, you don’t know what your gift or calling is, but if you embrace all five of these elements you can eventually find what gift you have to share with the world.”

Hicks’ choice to do a rendition of “Astonishing, from Broadway’s Little Women,” was no surprise as her activities and honors boasted of her participation in numerous productions. Hicks transferred to Saint James School in Montgomery to further her education in theater.

“When I got to Saint James, it was so eye opening,” Hicks said. “I got to spend so much time with theater, and it’s taught me so many things about myself. It taught me how to tap into so many emotions that I have. I have learned so much about myself through trying to connect different characters that aren’t the same that I am.”

While only three girls competed in this year’s program, Hicks said she hoped she could reach out to more girls and be able to encourage them to participate in the coming years.

“I can’t wait to tell all of the girls what they can do, and hopefully get so many more,” Hicks said. “It’s so sad to see the past two years of Pike County just decrease in the number. I just think that’s because so many of them don’t know what it really is, what it can offer them and how great of a program it is. I hope I can help change their minds.”

Hicks was supported by her parents, Ed and Deborah Hicks, Saturday. Hicks will compete in the state wide Distinguished Young Women competition held in Mobile, and said she was excited for the experience.

“I have heard such great things about it, like that it’s so much and the friendships you build,” Hicks said. “The week of make-up work won’t be fun, but it’ll be a good week.”