When her name was announced as the 2013 Distinguished Young Woman for Dallas County, Angelene Kendall was shocked and speechless. Even moments later, as fellow contestants offering congratulations swarmed her, the fact she was this year’s program winner had not settled in.

“I don’t think it’ll hit me until I am in college next year, using the scholarship money I won tonight,” Kendall, a senior at Dallas County High School, said. “I am speechless, shocked.”

Kendall, who plans to attend Troy University, not only claimed the overall title, but also claimed a fitness award, talent award and an award for her interview. In all, she received $3,900 in scholarship earnings.

The annual scholarship program is organized and coordinated by the Selma Civitan Club.

“This was a fantastic group this year,” Civitan program coordinator Ben Holified. “These young women really came together over the past few weeks and you could tell tonight, they really had a good time.”

Candice Clark, who is from Selma but attends the Alabama School of Math and Science, was named the first alternate, while Morgan Academy senior Megan Leigh Siddens was named second alternate.

A total of 21 area seniors took part in the program, while an additional 19 high school juniors were featured as the program’s little sisters.

“We were thrilled by the turnout this year, both in the number of program contestants and little sisters,” Holifield said.

Civitan Club president Bill Neighbors said the program is never easy, but is made possible through the hard work of the club members, the volunteers and the support of sponsors.

“We can enjoy it tonight,” Neighbors said. “But we turn around and start working for next year’s program.”

Katherine Fondren, along with Kendall, earned a fitness award and was one of two winners of the Spirit Award.

Autum Williams and D’Essence Hampton were the award winners in Self-Expression, while Katianne Middleton and Rebecca Hastings won scholastic awards.

Along witth Kendall, Fayth Williams was named talent winners, while Kendall and Michellia McWilliams received interview awards.

Allison Moore was named the winner of the “Be Your Best Self” Essay Award, while Amber Johnson was the other recipient of the Spirit Award.

The first alternate winner received a $2,000 scholarship, while the second alternate received a $1,500 scholarship. A $300 scholarship was awarded to each of the individual category winners.