SPHS' Powell named Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama

On Jan. 18, Spain Park High’s Madeline Powell was named 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama during the annual competition in Montgomery.

Madeline was selected from a field of 48 contestants representing counties across the state. The win brings Madeline’s total cash scholarship earnings through Distinguished Young Women to $18,100 and qualifies her to compete in the national scholarship competition scheduled for June 26-28 in Mobile.

In addition to her overall title, Madeline was also named the preliminary winner in four of the five categories judged: interview, scholarship, self-expression and fitness.

“She did great and has a lot to look forward in representing our state and community over the coming year,” said Susan DuBose, co-chairperson for Distinguished Young Women of Shelby County.

Madeline won the Shelby County competition in 2013, earning $6,100 of the $19,000 the organization presented in scholarships. As Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama, she also received in-kind scholarships from all universities in the state that will cover the cost of her tuition wherever she chooses to attend.

DuBose said Madeline was leaning toward attending The University of Alabama where she would likely study medicine.

The Shelby County program is accepting applications for its 2015 event through April 15. The program is only open to high school juniors, who can apply at distinguishedyw.org.

Madeline is the third state winner from Shelby County in the last five years.

“We just have a very strong community and a very strong school system,” DuBose said. “And for this event, scholastics are very important. In fact, it’s the most important part of the program.”