The annual Northwest Alabama Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program was held Nov. 7 at The Clarion Inn in Muscle Shoals – and among the participants, a Russellville student was named Franklin County’s Distinguished Young Woman.

Franklin County’s 2021 Distinguished Young Woman is Lily Pounders, a senior at Russellville High School. Lily also won the fitness, talent, self expression and scholastic categories, as well as being named the Be Your Best Self Essay Award winner.

Other participants from Franklin County were Alexis Tabbs, a senior at Red Bay High School, who was awarded first alternate, and Lauren Mae Sturdivant, a senior at Russellville High School, who was named second alternate.

Franklin County’s three participants were among 13 young women from Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale counties who competed in scholastics, interview, fitness, talent and self expression. One participant from each county was selected to represent her county at the state program, which will be held in January 2021.

Colbert County’s winner was Lauren Vance, a senior at Muscle Shoals High School. Lauderdale County’s winner was Zoie McGuyer, a senior at Florence High School.

For more information on scholarship opportunities for young women in this area, contact Susan Hargett at 256-710-9239.