The 2026 Distinguished Young Women of Alabama competition is coming up Jan. 23-24 in Montgomery and high school seniors from 42 counties, including several in Black Belt counties, will be there.
The Black Belt winners of their counties are Kylie Calame of Dallas County, Charli Meadows of Lowndes County, Millie Hill of Marengo County, Zymiria Powell of Clarke County and Ann-Stallings Gardner of Montgomery County.
The Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program is the state's branch of a national scholarship program for high school senior girls. Participants compete at Frazer Church in Montgomery in scholastic, fitness, interview, talent and self-expression categories. Participants will stay in Montgomery for a week prior to the state competition with a host family. They will rehearse and participate in scheduled events throughout the week.Â
In a news release, Dallas County DYW said winner Calame earned the title at the local program held on Aug. 2. Calame is a senior at Morgan Academy where she serves as Senior Class President and is a multi-sport athlete. She is a volunteer with WINGS of Selma, founder of Selma Summer Smash Tennis Camp and a 14-year dancer at McConnell Twins studio. She is a member of Church Street Methodist Church and the daughter of Lee and Kea Calame.
Cindy Fisher is Publisher of the Black Belt News Network and Selma Sun. You can reach her by emailing cfisher@blackbeltnewsnetwork.com.
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