By CLARKE STACKHOUSE / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY— Spain Park High School upcoming senior Madeline Powell was named 2014 Distinguished Young Woman on Saturday, July 27 at Oak Mountain High School.

Powell won more than $5,000 dollars in cash scholarship and a full tuition, room and board scholarship to Troy State University valued at more than $40,000.

“Right now, it’s just so surreal,” Powell said.

Powell is planning to attend Vanderbilt or Duke University and wants to be a physician.

The program was held over two nights on July 26-27. This year’s program featured high school seniors representing five schools: Spain Park High, Oak Mountain, Briarwood Christian School, Chelsea High and Pelham High.

The participants competed in talent, fitness and self-expression on Friday night. On Saturday night, the seven finalists competed in those categories again.

The Shelby County DYW program gave away about $18,000 in cash scholarships and about $164,000 in college-granted scholarships.

First alternate Melissa Mathews was awarded more than $3,000 in scholarships, and second alternate Myrah Taylor took home more than $2,500. Each of the seven finalists took home $500 in cash scholarship.

Formerly known as Junior Miss, the Distinguished Young Women program is open to upcoming high school seniors and promotes leadership, talent and scholarship.

For more information on Distinguished Young women visit Ajm.org