By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

The Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program, formerly known as Junior Miss, has provided high school seniors the opportunity to win college scholarships for more than 35 years.

Even with recent changes in sponsorship of the program, organizers say this year’s event — held August 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Pickard Auditorium — aims to continue its usual commitment to local young women.

“We are going to continue to try to maintain the same standard of excellence that the Civitan Club [previously] did. Normally about $10,000 in scholarship money is awarded each year, and we hope to do the same this year,” Demisha Stough, head of the Distinguished Young Women Committee, said.

The program, which includes 18 girls from four local high schools, features several different areas of competition, including physical fitness, talent and self-expression.

“Each year we announce awards for the winner, first and second runner-up, and two awards for each area of competition. All together 12 scholarship awards are given, hopefully giving each girl a good chance of winning money,” Stough said.

Stough emphasized the importance of the local community in their mission to continue providing scholarships.

“Our program is one of the top in state. We give more scholarship money than some of the state programs do. The community has been great to support our program,” Stough said. “I know it can be difficult to give, but we thank the community for allowing us to continue our event.”

Stough said support for the girls competing does not just come from monetary donations. She encouraged local 11th grade girls to become involved in the program and support this year’s contestants through the Distinguished Young Women’s little sister program.

“Applications for our little sister program, which consists of upcoming 11th graders, are still available. The girls do a dance the night of the program, and help the girls get ready [the night of the event],” she said. “Our hope is to get them involved so they will continue to be interested in the program next year.”

Tickets for the program will cost $10 and be sold by program participants and at the door of the event.

For more information about the program or to become a little sister, call Stough at 349-0641.