Behind the glamorous spotlights and excitement of performing well-rehearsed talents on stage lie the lasting benefits of competing in the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program – something Madeline Powell has seen first hand.

Powell, a Spain Park High School senior, won both the Shelby County and 2014 Alabama DYW contests, taking home medallions and scholarships. She plans to use her combined winnings of $18,100 to attend the University of Alabama to study biology in the fall.

Read more about Madeline Powell and the Distinguished Young Women program in the April issue of Shelby Living. Find your copy here.