In 1977, Caroline Gentry Krause was named the winner of the of the Dallas County Distinguished Young Woman (DYW).

Formed in 1958, DYW has impacted the lives of more than 765,000 young women. Their mission is to empower high school young women by providing scholarship opportunities, developing self-confidence and teaching life skills needed for success in college.

More than $108 million in cash scholarships has been awarded.

This is an important opportunity for these local young women who are competing on Aug. 18.

Over the years, the Dallas County DYW program has been a vital part to the state program.

Dallas County can have pride that the local talent has placed in the state level.

In 1987, Dallas County’s Courtney Hedgepeth Edwards was named Alabama’s Distinguished Young Woman.

Each contestant that puts forth the effort is to be commended for their time they have spent working towards the goal of Dallas County’s Distinguished Young Woman.

These contestants represent the best of the upcoming generation.

Other programs also are preparing even younger women to be prepared for the real world.

Little Sisters are upcoming juniors who are interested in the DYW program.

Allowing these students to put their best foot forward and earn their chances for scholarships is something the DYW program can take pride in.