For Emmy Rabren, a typical day begins with cheer workouts and includes two college classes, lifeguarding at the country club, and teaching dance.

“This feels like a week off,” she said of the jam-packed week participants in the 2019 Covington County Distinguished Young Woman program are experiencing. “But this is the hardest kind of fitness I’ve ever done.”

She was referring to the fitness routine on which participants will be judged in Saturday’s shows in the Dixon Center at LBW Community College, and she has lots of friends who agree with her.

Lindsay Dobyne said preparing for DYW has kept participants busy almost 24-7. Fitness, she said, is the hardest part.

To prepare, she said, “I’ve tried to do little workouts at night and eat a little bit healthier.”

All the togetherness has been fun, she said.

“I’ve gotten to hang out with a bunch of girls who enjoy the same things I do.”

Merrill Ann Culverhouse described all of her DYW peers as “outstanding.” Getting to know them has been the best part of her week, she said.

Culverhouse has participated in many pageants, and is accustomed to the stage. But she said the interview is completely different in DYW.

Emory Garner said the week has been an opportunity to grow with friends.

Lindsey Stephens also is accustomed to performing on stage with the Andalusia Ballet. But she, too, said participation takes her out of her comfort zone.

“The toughest part is public speaking,” she said. Because the activities have taken her out of her routine, she also is doing a little something different for talent. She is dancing en pointe, but not classical ballet. Instead, she said, the dance is a bit sassy – fitting since it is to a selection from the Broadway hit “Funny Girl.”

Anabell Bryant said the week is all about being your best self. She has choreographed a new dance to music she’s used before, which has been fun.

“The hardest for me is trying to make sure I say everything I need to say in self expression,” she said. “We want it to be the best show it can be.”

In fact, the theme of this year’s DYW program is “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

The county’s scholarship program is a preliminary for Alabama’s Distinguished Young Woman program.

On Saturday, the talent program will be presented at 2 p.m., and the main show is set for 7 p.m.

Reserved seating is $35 for both shows. General admission for both shows is $25, and general admission for one show is $15.

Tickets are available from participants and at Harold’s Home.

 

Michele Gerlach/Star-News