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Addi Garrott is Pike County’s Distinguished Young Woman for 2021 and will represent Pike County in the Alabama DYW program in January.

Addi, who is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School, said she is honored to have the opportunity to serve as Pike County’s DWY and to participate in the statewide program.

Addi’s interest in participating in the DYW program peaked last year when she was the “little sister” for her friend, Porter Lankford, a participant in Pike County’s 2020 DYW program.

“The ‘little sisters’ introduced their ‘big sister’s’ talent and also performed an opening number with them in the program,” Addi said.  “After being a little sister and watching how much fun our big sisters had, I decided I would love to be a part of the program as a participant for 2021.”

Addi said everyone in Pike County’s DYW program is encouraging and the program provides great scholarship opportunities for upcoming seniors.

“And, the DYW program is also a chance for me to make new friends with the other participants,” Addi said.

Along with the hope of becoming Pike County’s DWY was the exciting thought of representing her home county in the state DYW program. However, as a “little sister, Addi had to wait another year for those opportunities.

In March 2020, a coronavirus changed things and continues to dictate changes in the way things are done.

Addi Garrott achieved her desire to be Pike County’s 2021 DYW and, with the title, came the opportunity to participate in the state program. However, due  to the coronavirus, the state DYW program will be held virtually.

“I was a little disappointed when I first found out that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in the DYW program in Montgomery and meet and get to know the participants from the other counties in person,” Addi said. “But I understand.

Addi said the state program’s leaders are working hard to make sure the Distinguished Young Women from around the state interact with each other through Zoom calls and other online means.

“Although it isn’t the same as getting to create new friendships and participate in the program in person, I’m still so excited to have the opportunity to represent Pike County at virtual state,” Addi said. “It will be a unique experience.”

Addi’s senior high school year will be a very busy one. In addition to representing her home county in the Alabama Distinguished Young Woman Program, she is the captain of the Pike Liberal Arts varsity cheer squad, a dancer with the SheBANG! Clog and Dance Company and a member of the National Honor Society, Excel Club, Calculus Club and Drama Club and the Twilighter’s Social Service Club.

The Pike County DYW board congratulated Addi on being Pike County’s 2021 DYW and expressed assurance that she will be an outstanding representative in the statewide virtual program and throughout 2021.

Addi is the daughter of Brad and Erica Garrott and the oldest of two siblings, Sarah, 15, and Cole, 11.