With the Civitan Club stepping down as lead sponsor of the Distinguished Women of Dallas County Scholarship Program, a deep void was created for donations and sponsorships to keep the program an annual tradition in the community, something most other Southern communities have.

The program, formally known at the Junior Miss Pageant, fosters leadership and higher education for local young women.

With strong goals and a high morale, the community would be losing a truly inspiring program if we let this annual pageant fall victim to losing funding as so many programs aimed towards young people have.

Awarding up to $10,000 in scholarships to local students annually, Distinguished Young Women puts a high emphasis on education. We encourage local businesses and organizations to invest in this worthy program, as it helps to develop strong leaders in our community — leaders who may very well run those businesses and organizations years down the road.

Demisha Stough, coordinator for the program and past participant, said it is crucial that Young Distinguished Women gain support through donations and sponsorships.

Without dedicated individuals, this excellent program may loose momentum, and thus cease to exist in Dallas County.

“The program not only provides an enriching experience for these young ladies, but it encourages them to continue their education and provides them with opportunities to positively impact others,” Stough said. “These girls are ambitious and intelligent, they’re just some of the greatest examples of fine young women in Dallas County.”

For the betterment of our youth and community, we urge local leaders to invest in Distinguished Young Women of Selma and Dallas County. Without the community’s support, the future of Young Distinguished Women will not be as strong as in years past — we can not allow that to happen.

For more information on the Distinguished Women of Dallas County Scholarship Program and how to make donations, contact Stough at 349-0641.