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“Wild About DYW” is the theme for the 2021 Distinguished Young Women of Covington County program.

Eleven rising high school seniors are competing in areas of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression for more than $10,000 in cash tuition scholarships.

This year’s Covington County participants include Savanna Porter, Ada Short, Skylar York, Emma Henley, Rachel Fleming, Vivien Otero, Tristin Williamson, Taylor Carnley, Audrey Danford, Julie-Layton Bryan and Madeline Miller.

Fifty percent of the participants’ overall scores takes place prior to the onstage performance. Each participant will participate in a 10-minute interview with a panel of judges the morning of the program. The scholastics category is scored by a separate academic panel.

The on-stage portion of the program will be held during two shows on Saturday, July 18, in the Dixon Center for the Performing Arts at LBW Community College. The afternoon show will be held at 2:30 p.m. and will feature individual talent presentations. The evening show will begin at 7 p.m. and include a fitness routine, a self-expression presentation and an awards ceremony.

Due to restrictions, a limited number of tickets are being sold and can be purchased in advance from any of the participants. For those who are unable to attend, there will be a livestream for both shows available to purchase.

The showcase will also feature special performances by Cameron Stephens, the Distinguished Young Women of Covington County for 2020, and Dominique Verville, the Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama for 2020 who was named second runner-up at the National Finals held last month.

Scholarships will be awarded to the highest score in the interview, scholastics, self-expression, talent and fitness categories, and to the winners of the Spirit Award and the Be Your Best Self Essay Award.

The Distinguished Young Woman of Covington Country for 2021 will compete in the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program held in Montgomery in January.

Savanna Porter is the daughter of Jennifer Wiggins. She attends Straughn High School. Porter plans to attend Auburn University and become a veterinarian. For her talent, she will perform archery. Porter’s achievements include Meredith’s Miracle Award, National Honor Society, President’s Academic Award, Alabama Envirothon Highest Test Score, 1st place State FFA Envirothon 2019, 2nd place State Envirothon 2019, Graduation Marshall, Covington County Engineering Day Award, Top 5% of Class, and Honors Diploma.

Ada Short is the daughter of Lex and Susan Short. She attends Andalusia High School. Short plans to attend Auburn University and become a neurologist. For her talent, she will perform “Concerto No. 1” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky on the piano. Short’s achievements include Top Ten Juniors, Alabama ABC Writing Contest, Memolusia Finalist, Honor Roll, FCCLA Essay Contest, Peer Helper President, Student Leadership Team, Graduation Marshal, 2020 Nominee for National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine, and selected to Attend Alabama Senate Hearing.

Skylar York is the daughter of Buddy and Laurel York. She attends Andalusia High School. York plans to attend Auburn University and become a pediatrician. For her talent, she will sing “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman. York’s achievements include Junior Miss Rattlesnake Rodeo and Junior Class Beauty at Andalusia.

Emma Henley is the daughter of Jayson and Carla Henley. She attends Straughn High School. Henley plans to attend the University of Alabama and become a pediatric travel nurse. For her talent, she will perform ballet to “Act III Kitri Variation” from Don Quixote. Henley’s achievements include the Principal’s Academic Achievement, Meredith’s Miracles Miracle Maker Award, National Honor Society, and Honor Roll.

Rachel Fleming is the daughter of James and Heather Fleming. She attends Andalusia High School. Fleming plans to attend Auburn University and become a physician assistant. For her talent, she will perform a baton/dance routine to “Dancin’ Fool” by Barry Manilow. Fleming’s achievements include All A’s 9th-11th grade, AHS Cord Bearer 2019, AHS Marshall 2020, 2020 Washington Youth Tour Contest- AHS 3rd Alternate, and Girls State Representative.

Vivien Otero is the daughter of Will and Tonya Maraman. She attends Straughn High School. Otero plans to attend Auburn University and become an architect. For her talent, she will perform “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen on the piano. Otero’s achievements include Honor Society and Principal’s Academic Achievement.

Tristin Williamson is the daughter of Scott and Dawn Williamson. She attends Straughn High School. Williamson plans to attend Auburn University and become a clinical psychologist. For her talent, she will perform a baton twirling routine to “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner. Williamson’s achievements include Feature Twirler, 2019 National and World Open N15 Age Group Solo Baton Winner, National Honor Society, 2019 Auburn University Marching Honor Band, All American Halftime Show, 2019 South Regional Solo and X-Strut Champion, All American Twirler, Envirothon Member, and Perfect Attendance.

Taylor Carnley is the daughter of Jason and Tatum Carnley. She attends Opp High School. Carnley plans to attend Rhodes College and become a CEO of a nonprofit organization using a law degree. For her talent, she will sing “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat. Carnley’s achievements include Daughters of American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award Recipient, Honors Student- All A Honor Roll, Alabama High School Coaches Athletic Association 1st Team All-State, Montgomery Advertiser Player of the Week (3 consecutive weeks), and Dothan Eagle Super 12 Southeast Region.

Audrey Danford is the daughter of Phillip and Mary Ann Danford. She attends Andalusia High School. Danford plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and become a forensic pathologist. For her talent, she will perform a lyrical dance to “Bad Liar” by Imagine Dragons. Danford’s achievements include Two-Time UCA All-American Cheer Award, Masquerade Dance Competition High Gold Soloist Award, Teen Miss Andalusia, Miss Houston County Relay for Life, Miss Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo/Ambassador for Opp Chamber of Commerce, and Andalusia Ballet Senior Company Member.

Julie-Layton Bryan is the daughter of Brad and Stephanie Bryan. She attends Straughn High School. Julie-Layton plans to attend Troy University and become an occupational therapist. For her talent, she will perform an ASL interpretation to “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. Bryan’s achievements include National Honor Society, LBW Community College Distinguished Honor Student, Principal’s Academic Excellence, Covington Electric Outstanding Student Award, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, and Principal’s Academic Achievement.

Madeline Miller is the daughter of Angela Jones. She attends Andalusia High School. Miller plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and become a nurse anesthetist. For her talent, she will sing “Once Upon a December” from Anastasia. Madeline’s achievements include A and B Honor Roll, Tennis Newcomer Award, Tennis MVP Award, and Tennis Doubles Championship Award.