“As a homeschooler and triathlete, I’ve learned diligence and determination,” said Anna Gardner, Distinguished Young Woman to represent Lincoln County in the state Distinguished Young Women competition, formerly Mississippi Junior Miss.

Gardner, of Brookhaven, has been participating in triathlons for four years. Since one of her friends encouraged her to get involved, she’s competed in several triathlons, often medaling. A triathlon consists of swimming, biking and running.

The Distinguished Young Women organization promotes a “Be Your Best Self” program. Winners are to exemplify the program and encourage younger people to be their best selves.

Because of her fitness background, Gardner has spoken to Mamie Martin Elementary students about how to be healthy. She encouraged them in eating right, exercises they can do at home, how to have more energy, keeping in shape, etc. She plans to speak to other elementary student groups, as well.

As a homeschooler, Gardner has learned to be her best self.

“I love that I can work ahead if I’m excelling in something. I can slow down and take more time in a certain subject if need be,” she said.

Gardner, 17, won the at-large competition in Meridian. She was one of two Lincoln Countians to compete. This was also her first time to participate in a competition like this.

“I thought it would be a great way to make new friends, possibly earn scholarships for college and to develop skills for the future,”

First time’s a charm.

“I guess they perceived me as determined, and when I set goals, I achieve them. I don’t stop until I reach those goals,” she said of her win.

Gardner will compete in the state competition in Meridian July 18 through 20. Young women will have to show interview skills, perform a talent and fitness routine, and demonstrate poise.

Gardner performed a ballet routine for the last competition, but will perform a lyrical routine to “I Can Only Imagine” for the state talent portion. She has been dancing for about six years.

To prepare for this weekend, Gardner has been participating in mock interviews, provided by the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, practicing her dance routine and the fitness routine, which is pre-choreographed for all participants.

Gardner said the most challenging part of preparing is the interview process and keeping up with current events.

“I never knew how to interview before,” she said.

Through the Chamber interviews, she has developed her skills.

“Thank you Chamber, Kenny Goza, Kay Burton, Lorin Lewis and all others who have helped me prepare,” said Gardner.

She also thanks Shannon Aker with the Bank of Brookhaven, who provided a scholarship to help with the state competition.

Gardner will be one of 33 Mississippi high school seniors competing for more than $44,500 in college scholarships. She will live with a host family during the competition week.

If Gardner is named Mississippi’s Distinguished Young Woman, she plans to promote the Be Your Best Self program across the state. She wants to get children active and healthy – turn obesity around in the state of Mississippi; and “use social media in a positive way to promote the Be Your Best Self program, and just being a role model of it myself.”

Gardner is the daughter of Clint and Holly Gardner of Brookhaven. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi and major in exercise science.

“I want to be a physical therapist,” she said.

If you would like to send Gardner cards/flowers/gifts during the week, send them to P.O. Box 582, Meridian, MS 39302. If you would like to send her an email, you may do so at annagardner@msjrmiss.com.