Area residents compete in Distinguished Young Women this weekend

Samford University’s Wright Center Concert Hall will host The Distinguished Young Women Program of Jefferson County July 18-19.

Thirty-two high school senior girls, representing 14 high schools from across Jefferson County will compete for cash-tuition and college granted scholarships and the opportunity to represent Jefferson County in the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery in January.

Participants living or attending school in the 280 area are: Marisa Pickard of Spain Park High School, Anna Lea Strickland of Briarwood Christian School, and Alex Larson and Steffie Rosene of Vestavia Hills High School.

Sarah Grace McDuff, the current Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County, will perform special dance routines nightly. Mistress of Ceremonies is 1993 Jefferson County’s and Alabama’s Junior Miss, Ashley Halfman.

With a theme of “A Winter Wonderland,” participants will compete in the on stage categories of talent, fitness and self-expression.

On the final night of competition, finalists will be selected, along with overall category winners, in addition to the naming of the Distinguished Young Woman of Jefferson County 2015, first-alternate and second-alternate.

All tickets are for reserved seating and are $15 each for July 18 at 7 p.m. and July 19 at 1 p.m. Preliminary tickets are $25 each for the finals scheduled for July 19 at 7 p.m..

Tickets can be purchased through any participant or at the Samford University Wright Center box office each evening one hour prior to each performance, or by calling 907-0210.

For more information about the program, please contact chairman Eddie Macksoud at 907-0210 or jefferson@distinguishedyw.org. For more information, visit distinguishedyw.org.

-Submitted by Miranda Wesley