Distinguished Young Women

Distinguished Young Women of Alabama

By Peyton Flowers

The DYW program (formerly known as Junior Miss) emphasizes being your best self and striving for excellence in all things. Forty-five of Alabama’s brightest stars were shining on the stage for the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama competition on January 21-22, 2022, at Frazer United Methodist Church. The young women competed in the categories of self-expression, fitness, scholarship, and talent. This year’s winner was Julianne Abenoja from Jefferson County. She will go on to represent the state of Alabama in the national competition in Mobile this June.

U.S. Senate candidate and former Alabama’s Junior Miss Katie Britt was a co-host for the event. Governor Kay Ivey, also a former Junior Miss participant, made an appearance at

the event. Additionally, one of our very own JLM members, August Haygood, was Macon County’s Junior Miss in 2006.

JLM volunteers assisted at the two preliminary competitions on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, as well as the final competition on Saturday night. Volunteers sold programs, tickets, and merchandise, served as ushers, and assisted with clean up after the event. Our members were honored and excited to serve at this wonderful event. It was so inspiring to watch the 45 amazing young women from our state showcase their skills and talents!

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