Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Six participants are set to compete in the Distinguished Young Women of Shelby County Class of 2021 program on Saturday, July 11 at 7 p.m.

The theme of this year’s program is “On Broadway” in honor of Shelby County Junior Miss 1979 winner and Tony Award nominee Rebecca Luker.

“We’re celebrating her this year,” Shelby County DYW Chairwoman Donna Bagwell said. “We’re really excited about the theme.”

Distinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments, according to Bagwell.

DYW strives to give young women the opportunity to further their education and prepare for a successful future.

The program begins at the local county level, and girls compete to represent their counties at their respective state programs.

Each of Shelby County’s participants has at least one “little sister” she has selected to support her during the week of the program.

“Our participants will each have a private interview with our panel of five judges on Saturday morning, and will all compete onstage Saturday night in the areas of talent, fitness and self-expression,” Bagwell said. “In addition, they have all submitted copies of the academic information to our scholastics judges for the scholastics part of their overall score.”

The program will be held at the Shelby County Arts Center in Columbiana.

Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 per student and may be purchased at the door on the night of the event.

Social distancing guidelines will be followed, and attendees are encouraged to wear face masks.

The winner will represent Shelby County at the state program in Montgomery in January.

Bagwell said this marks the first year for the local program to be held at the new arts center.

“We’re really excited, and we’re hoping this might eventually become our home,” she said. “It’s such a great facility.”

For more information about the Distinguished Young Women of Shelby County program, visit Shelby.al.distinguishedyw.org.

This year’s participants, pictured below, are: Abigail Allarde, Alli Ayers, Anna Kate Morris, Lauren McCombs, Maci Martens and Virginia Worthington.