“Celebrating 50 Years” is the theme for the 2020 Distinguished Young Women of Covington County program. This year will mark the 50th anniversary for the county program.

Seven 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. The program strives to inspire young women to develop their full, individual potential and prepare them for a successful future.

The final showcase, featuring an onstage performance of a fitness routine, a self-expression presentation, individual talent presentations and an awards ceremony, will be held at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, July 13, in the Dixon Center for the Performing Arts at LBW Community College.

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 winner of the 2020 Distinguished Young Women of Cov. County program will compete in the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program held in Montgomery in January.

This year’s Covington County participants include Claire Breedlove, Emily Ward, Emma Younce, Tristyn Harrison, Michaelyn Russell, Anna Kate Courson and Cameron Stephens.

MEET THIS YEAR’S PARTICIPANTS:

CLAIRE BREEDLOVE

OPP HIGH SCHOOL

Claire Breedlove is the daughter of John and Melissa Breedlove. She attends Opp High School. Claire plans to attend Auburn University and become a child life specialist. For her talent, she will sing “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us” by Shane & Shane. Claire’s achievements include the 1st Volleyball Team in OHS to advance to State Tournament, All As and Bs K-11, Most Blocks for 2018 Volleyball Season, PowerSouth Essay Finalist for Youth Tour, Beta Club Secretary, OHS Ambassador, OHS Voices Choir, and New York Mission Trip Service Award.

EMILY WARD

OPP HIGH SCHOOL

Emily Ward is the daughter of John and Cathy Ward. She attends Opp High School. Emily plans to attend Florida State University and become a forensic lab technician/pathologist. For her talent, she will perform a contemporary ballet dance to “Mountain Music” by Alabama. Emily’s achievements include the Voice of Democracy Scholarship, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and All As and Bs.

EMMA YOUNCE

OPP HIGH SCHOOL

Emma Younce is the daughter of Christy Younce. She attends Opp High School. Emma plans to attend Colorado State University and become a family lawyer. For her talent, she will perform “Sonata in C major” by Wolfgang Mozart on the piano. Emma’s achievements include the 2019 High School State Champion for 50 Freestyle, A Honor Roll since 1st Grade, Ranked 2nd in class of 94 students, NYC Mission Trip Service Award, and OHS Student Government Association Secretary.

TRISTYN HARRISON

ANDALUSIA HIGH SCHOOL

Tristyn Harrison is the daughter of Tony Harrison. She attends Andalusia High School. Tristyn plans to attend the University of Alabama and study optometry. For her talent, she will perform “Dueling Banjos” by Arthur Smith on the flute. Tristyn’s achievements include the National Honors Society, The Mallory Award Presented for the Most Outstanding Drum Major, Best Drum Major in Class 5A at the 38th Annual Little Big Horn Marching Band Contest, Selected to attend the National Leadership Forum at Harding University, Most Likely To Be a Sound of the South Drum Major, Outstanding Sophomore Anchor for 44 Community Service Hours, Usher for the 2019 AHS Baccalaureate, Class of 2020 AHS Treasurer, Director in Anchor Club, and Secretary in Key Club.

CAMERON STEPHENS

STRAUGHN HIGH SCHOOL

Cameron Stephens is the daughter of Scott Stephens and Sandra Hall. She attends Straughn High School. Cameron plans to attend Auburn University and become a nurse anesthetist. For her talent, Cameron will perform a lyrical dance to “Jump” by Cynthia Erivo. Cameron’s achievements include 2019 Girls State Representative, Varsity Cheerleading Co-Captain 2019-2020, 2018 AL HOBY Ambassador, 2018 Engineering Day Champion, 2019 UCA Pin It Forward Recipient, 2019 UCA All-American Cheerleader, Troy University Honor Band Medalist, 2019 SHS Graduation Marshall, National Honor Society Treasurer, and 2019-2020 Student Government Association Vice President.

ANNA KATE COURSON

OPP HIGH SCHOOL

Anna Kate Courson is the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Courson. She attends Opp High School. Anna Kate plans to attend Auburn University and study engineering. For her talent, she will perform “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin on the piano. Anna Kate’s achievements include Girls State, OHS Ambassador, All As and Bs K-11, Most Improved Basketball Player, voted Prettiest Smile 9th-11th, Freshman Beauty in Miss Optimist, First Runner-Up 10th and 11th in Miss Optimist, and voted Junior Class Favorite.

MICHAELYN RUSSELL

ANDALUSIA HIGH SCHOOL

Michaelyn Russell is the daughter of Monty and Cara Russell. She attends Andalusia High School. Michaelyn plans to attend Troy University and study secondary education. For her talent, she will perform a lyrical dance to “Joy” by For King & Country. Michaelyn’s achievements include Member of National Honor Society, Best in Class Colorguard at Little Big Horn Marching Band Contest, A and B Honor Roll, and First Place National Dance Competition.