Franklin County’s Distinguished Young Woman Elizabeth Pierce is working hard to prepare and overcome challenges for the upcoming state DYW program in January. Pierce was selected as Franklin County’s representative in August and will go to Montgomery for the Alabama program Jan. 18-19, 2019.

“I believe that biggest challenge is getting over my nervousness about being away from home for so long,” Pierce said. With help from her family and friends, Pierce said she has replaced much of her nervousness with excitement for the experience.

Pierce’s talent is singing. In August, she performed “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” Now, she is preparing to perform “On My Own” from “Les Miserables.”

“This song has always been a favorite of mine. It’s so beautiful, and when it’s performed, you can tell it comes from the heart. That’s what I want people to see when I perform it,” she said.

Singing is a talent Pierce said she has been exploring since childhood, and she said it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get to the level of achievement she is at today.

Talent isn’t the only thing Pierce has been preparing for state. There is also a fitness routine all of the girls will have to perform that weekend.

“It is very physically demanding, but with hard work and perseverance I know I can get it down and do my best,” she said.

Pierce said preparing for state has been a lot more time consuming and rigorous than when she had to prepare for the local program.

“I’ve learned so much about myself during this experience – mostly how willing I am to put in work for something I care about,” she said.

DYW board member Nicole Henderson said Pierce has shown great maturity throughout this process.

“It’s obvious she loves and cares for the area. Everyone should be proud of her,” Henderson said.

Pierce is also preparing for the onstage question portion of the program and a 10-minute interview. Her academic standing will also be taken into consideration.

“This program has equipped me with so many skills I can use in my future,” Pierce said.

She encouraged any girl who is thinking about participating in DYW in the future to go for it. “You will make so many friends and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Henderson said the program is a great way for girls to have access to scholarships to further their educations. Henderson herself was the Franklin County representative in 2003, which is why she is passionate about encouraging Franklin County girls to participate.