By Morgan Burkett
The Greenville Advocate

As the summer is off to a blazing start, the upcoming girls of the senior class of 2015 are preparing for the Butler County’s Distinguished Young Women competition.

The participants will be scored in academics, poise, talent, physical fitness and expression.

The nationwide theme is to “Be Your Best Self.” The key elements of the “Be Your Best Self” theme are to be ambitious, involved, healthy, studious, and responsible.

The contestant with the best overall score at the local competition will be named the 2014 Butler County Distinguished Young Woman.

Eleven girls have signed up for DYW so far, but Starla Jones, chairperson of Butler County Distinguished Young Women, would like all girls to know that it is not to late to take part in the competition.

“If any upcoming senior is interested in being apart of this year’s Butler County Distinguished Young Women, I would encourage you to sign up. Not only is this the chance of a lifetime, but this opportunity will give you the chance to win scholarship money to the college of your choice,” said Jones.

This year’s contestants include Ashton Scott, Holland Steadham, Kathryn McGowin, Cailyn Thompson, Leana Bogan, Paige Campbell, Naareh Cooke, Kennadee Smith, Tamara McClain, Cindy Scruggs and Callie McCann.

Organizers of the Butler County Distinguished Young Women program have also decided to try something new this year.

This year, organizers have made a change to allow more girls to participate. In the past, each DYW contestant chose a Little Sister to introduce her during the event. The little sisters also took part in a routine during the competition. The Little Sister program has been opened to all girls entering the 11th grade.

For more information on the Little Sister program contact Kim Bowen at khbowen44@gmail.com. To sign up to participate in the DYW competition contact Jones at skyjones@centurytel.net.

Orientation for participants and Little Sisters will be held at the Ritz Theatre June 24 at 6 p.m.

The competition will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Ritz Theatre in Greenville.