By KATIE MCDOWELL/General Manager

Have you heard of Maddy Powell?

If not, you will. The Spain Park High School senior recently won the state’s 2014 Distinguished Young Woman Program, formerly known as Junior Miss.

The DYW program is composed of four categories: interview, fitness, self-expression and talent.

Powell said she knew she was interested in the competition as soon as she heard about it from friends.

“As soon as I heard about the phases of competition, I knew I wanted to participate because I have always valued those areas of my life,” she said previously. “I knew participating in this program would only help me to improve on those areas and make me a better woman.”

Shelby County DYW chairman Susan DuBose said the program helps young women develop leadership skills.

“They leave high school a step ahead of other girls because they’ve competed at a high level,” she said.

Powell will compete in nationals June 26-28 in Mobile. First, she will finish out her final year at SPHS, where she has a 4.2 GPA and participates in several school groups.

Powell won $18,100 in scholarships from the county and state programs, which she plans to use to attend the University of Alabama to study biology in the fall.

Powell is third Shelby County resident to win the state DYW program in the last four years.

“I think it’s because we have a strong community here,” DuBose said. “Shelby County and Hoover schools are excellent. We’re in a great community, and the students grow up with lots of opportunities.”

I agree with DuBose. Shelby County is home to so many talented, smart, giving people, and I love reading about or even meeting these people through my job. I get most excited by high school students because they have so much potential.

I wish Maddy the best of luck at the state competition in June, and I can not wait to meet more of Shelby County’s outstanding young adults.

Katie McDowell is the General Manager of the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 19 or by email at katie.mcdowell@shelbycountyreporter.com.