Although the Distinguished Young Women of Dallas County Scholarship Program lost one of their lead sponsors — the Civitan Club — this past year, it is preparing to host a great program Saturday, Aug. 17 featuring 18 talented young women.

On Wednesday program participants and leaders met at McConnell Twins Dance Studio to practice for the upcoming program, which will be held at the Pickard Auditorium.

Tracey Cothran, a member of the Distinguished Young Women of Dallas County board, said it’s important the program stay afloat, as it teaches young women in the area confidence and enforces the value of education.

“We don’t want to lose this because it’s a great program for these girls,” Cothran said, noting that it’s a scholarship program, not a beauty pageant. “They not only get the money from the scholarship program, but they also learn how to interact with other people from different schools.”

Angelene Kendall, last year’s program winner, said through participating she has been able to meet many other young women in Dallas County who she would never have met otherwise. Also, Kendall said the program has prepared her greatly for college.

“This program is really important because it gives you the opportunity to see different walks of life,” Kendall explained. “It gives you the opportunity to appreciate where you come from and what you’re doing.”

Kendall, who plans to attend Troy University in the fall and double major in social work and dance with a minor in psychology, was awarded $3,900 in scholarship money through her participation in the program.

The goal of the program, Cothran said, is to give young women the funds necessary to further their education.

“They not only get the money from the scholarship program, but they also learn how to interact with other people from different schools,” Cothran said. “It really is a great program, and the girls benefit from it so much.”

Doors open at the Pickard Auditorium at 6 p.m., Aug. 17. Participants will be judged in several categories, including fitness, self-expression and interview.

For more information on the program, contact Demisha Stough at 349-0641.