FROM STAFF REPORTS

Nineteen girls from Shelby County participated in the Distinguished Young Women of Shelby County Class of 2016 and represented several local schools.

The event was held Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at Spain Park High School.

Each participant was evaluated in the following categories: Scholastics (20 percent of overall score), interview (25 percent of overall score), talent (25 percent of overall score), self-expression (15 percent of overall score) and fitness (15 percent of overall score).

Total scholarships in the amount of $14,750 were awarded to the winners (see winner list below).

Each participant also had one or more younger “Little Sisters” who performed in the program and announced the talent for each participant.

These girls could participate in the program when they are high school juniors.

This year’s participants, along with their respective schools, are as follows: Jenna Alaine Bennett – Pelham High School; Chyanna Dawn Rausch – Pelham High School; Leigh Dees – Spain Park High School; Alexandra Nichole Blakely – Spain Park High School; Elizabeth King – Spain Park High School; Emily Grace Fisher – Spain Park High School; Amanda Lockhart Frederick – Oak Mountain High School; Macy Elizabeth Grissom – Oak Mountain High School; Amber Da-Shun Crumpton – Oak Mountain High School;Ashley Nicole Pope – Thompson High School;Saige Kathryn Barnett – Thompson High School; Katherine Noel Barrington – Evangel Christian School; Mary Grace Long – Evangel Classical Christian School;Heather Thompson – Evangel Classical Christian School;Hayden Suanne Dooley – Briarwood Christian School; Hannah Emiline Honea – Briarwood Christian School; Olivia McClain Godfrey – Westminster School at Oak Mountain; Abbey Grace Manasco – Helena High School; and Olivia Midori Kurosaka – Jefferson County Academy of Theatre & Dance.

The winners this year are as follows:

• Distinguished Young Woman of Shelby County 2016: Mary Grace Long, $5,000.

•First Alternate: Lexey Blakely, $1,500.

•Second Alternate: Elizabeth King, $1,000.

• Spirit of Junior Miss: Hayden Dooley, $500.
• Be Your Best Self Essay Winner: Jenna Bennett, $500.
• Scholastic Winners, $250 each: Heather Thompson, Lexey Blakely, Ashley Pope, Amanda Frederick and Mary Grissom.
• Interview Winners,$250 each:Hayden Dooley, Mary Grace Long, Amanda Frederick, Lexey Blakely and Heather Thompson.
• Talent Winners, $250 each:Mary Grace Long, Lexey Blakely, Ashley Pope, Katherine Barrington and Abbey Manasco.
• Fitness Winners, $250 each:Mary Grace Long, Lexey Blakely, Amanda Frederick, Elizabeth King and Abbey Manasco.
• Self-Expression Winner, $250 each: Mary Grace Long, Chyanna Rausch, Heather Thompson, Lexey Blakely and Elizabeth King.

Susan DuBose served as chairwoman and director of the group, along with her team.

Organizers thanked the many local businesses and individuals who gave generously to support the program and the participants.