Georgia’s New Distinguished Young Woman Hails From the Robins Region

Kelli Cox

Abi Bragg attended her first Distinguished Young Women of Georgia (DYW) event, then known as Junior Miss, at just 6 days old. 

This year, Bragg was the first Houston County resident to receive the award. “I hope to be the first of many,” Bragg says. 

At the State DYW Showcase, Bragg excelled at the five categories of the DYW competition: interview, self-expression, talent, physical fitness and scholastic achievement, coming in first overall at three out of five categories and earning the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Georgia. 

“Really, the whole purpose of the competition format is not necessarily to be competitive with other people, but to be competitive against yourself, to be the best version of yourself,” Bragg says. 

Bragg has a track record of scholastic and artistic excellence; her passion for musical theater led her to become the first student from Houston County to win a Shuler Award from the ArtsBridge Foundation for her performance as Karen Smith in “Mean Girls.” Bragg hopes to reinvest in her community by someday opening a private performing arts studio in the area. 

“I have a huge passion for theater and seeing the way it impacts other people,” Bragg says. “Storytelling is truly a gateway to impact lives.” 

Staying in Georgia is a priority for Bragg, who could have her pick of universities based on her academic merits. Bragg plans to attend Georgia College & State University for nursing, with a minor in music. Through both the arts and medicine, Bragg’s goal is to give back to her community. 

“When I was a kid, I just knew I wanted to help people,” Bragg says. 

Bragg received the university’s highest merit-based scholarship, the Trustee Scholarship, and a grant funded by the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Nursing Scholars Program. “A lot of what prepared me for the scholarship was DYW and everything I learned from it,” Bragg says. “The program helped me learn important life skills and just boosted my confidence. I feel more competent in different areas of my life since doing the program.” 

While Bragg will always carry the legacy of being the first Distinguished Young Woman of Georgia from Houston County, she hopes that her accomplishments will help others to pursue their own dreams. 

“I hope to leave a legacy because being the first is great, but when you see others come along after you, that’s when you know you’ve made a difference,” Bragg says.