Marshall named Franklin’s Distinguished Young Woman
FLORENCE — Aidyn Kate Marshall, a Russellville High School senior, was named Franklin County’s Distinguished Young Woman on Saturday at the University of North Alabama’s Norton Auditorium.
Marshall also won in the scholastics and talent categories and received the program’s “Be Your Best Self” essay honor.
“It felt surreal,” Marshall said, reflecting on the moment her name was called. “I thought I might have fallen asleep in the long hours between our interviews and the opening number. The Franklin County competitors were so talented in so many ways.”
Marshall is the daughter of Bonnie and TJ Bendall and Wade Marshall. She plans to pursue psychiatry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. At Russellville, she’s a National Honor Society member, Career and Technical Education ambassador, and co-president of HOSA – Future Health Professionals.
She also serves as Tigerette captain and volunteers at a rural health clinic. For her talent, Marshall performed a pointe ballet routine to Mozart’s Symphony No. 25.
Beyond the awards, Marshall said the kindness among participants stood out most.
“Their kindness toward me and the God-given talents they got to showcase through this program were the highlight of it all. I am beyond thrilled to go on and represent Franklin County, and I hope I make my girls proud.”
She said the fitness portion of the program pushed her out of her comfort zone.
“I have discovered pushups are not for me,” she said. “I felt a little silly, and it made me extremely nervous, but I had to realize that if you are going to do something, you do it fully.”
More than winning, the experience helped Marshall discover inner resilience.
“As someone who has always struggled with severe panic and anxiety disorders, I had fallen into a habitual thinking method that I was incapable of doing anything without someone there with me.”
That began to change during the program.
“I discovered that person can be me. I am capable of navigating struggles on my own. And even when alone, I never truly am. I will be eternally thankful to this program for this newfound discovery.”
Marshall said she hopes her new role will allow her to champion mental health awareness.
“Being named the Franklin County Distinguished Young Woman will not only help me financially to pursue my degrees through the various scholarship opportunities, but it will also help me put my name out there.”
She said the title gives her a platform to begin shaping her future.
“This program is allowing me to not only launch into my studies but also establish who I want to be as a psychiatrist. I want to spread a platform that you can be like me and still be a Distinguished Young Woman.”
To those who come after her, Marshall offered words of encouragement.
“I know it’s scary. I know you are exhausted, I know you have bruises from the fitness routine, I know you are filled with uncertainty but take a minute to look around.”
She encouraged participants to savor the moment.
“You may never be in the same room as all of these girls ever again. I have made some amazing friends, and I am already heartbroken to know we won’t see each other as often. You may only have heard of three named Distinguished Young Women, but from experience, I can name 23.”
First Alternate
Russellville High School student Lily Cate Pace was recognized as the first alternate and won in the fitness category. She is the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Pace and Jeremy and Jenny Reed. At RHS, she is in the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, RHS Career Tech Ambassador and is varsity cheer co-captain.
She plans to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse, beginning at Northwest-Shoals Community College and later transferring to the University of North Alabama.
“I felt a rush of emotions,” Pace said. “Blessed, accomplished and extremely happy are only three of the many words that describe how grateful I am for being selected.”
The program, she said, helped her grow in ways she hadn’t expected.
“Towards the beginning of the show I was nervous just to say my name,” she said.
By the time she stood for the on-stage question, things had changed.
“By the end of the night, on-stage questions came easier to me.”
She encouraged others to take part.
“You are going to feel loved and confident as soon as you walk through the doors of the first practice.”
Second Alternate
Camden Carson, also a Russellville High School senior, was named second alternate. She won the self-expression category and received the 2026 Spirit of Distinguished Young Women Award, voted on by all participants in the three counties of the program.
She is the daughter of Ken Carson and of Chad and Denese Gault. A student at Russellville High School, she is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, Science Club, Christain Students United, Mu Alpha Theta, Franklin County Junior Leaders, Student Council and Health Occupation Students of America.
Carson plans to study law at the University of North Alabama, aiming to become an estate attorney.
“I was incredibly shocked because this is the first time I have been part of a program like this,” she said. “I have worked so hard the past two months preparing for this, and it paid off.”
The recognition, she said, came as a surprise.
“It was such an unexpected honor, and I am truly blessed.”
The Spirit Award, chosen by her peers, meant a great deal to her.
“Knowing that through all the stress they saw me as someone who was kind and uplifting reminded me that I need to keep being my genuine self, even if we are competing.”
Carson said the program challenged her to develop new skills and grow her confidence.
“I always underestimated what I thought I was capable of doing,” she said. “Through this program I’ve had to step outside of my comfort zone by public speaking and performing in front of a crowd.”
She said those experiences will carry into her professional life.
“I have learned overall that I should never doubt myself.”
The program, Carson added, helped her prepare for the legal field.
“It helped me develop skills I will use as an attorney, like communication, confidence and poise under pressure. It also gave me valuable experience working with people from different backgrounds and expressing my thoughts clearly.”
Faith, she said, remains central to her perspective.
“One lesson that I will carry with me is that God already has a plan for my life. This program has reminded me that every opportunity, challenge and outcome is all for His purpose. Trusting in Him gives me peace and confidence to move forward.”
Other participants
Five other Franklin County seniors participated in this year’s program and were recognized for their achievements.
Rosa Castro is the daughter of Ana and Martin Castro. She is a student at Russellville High School and plans to attend Samford University and become an immigration lawyer.
Activities and honors include membership in the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, serving as NTHS Secretary, FCCLA toy drive fundraiser, and the drama club. She is certified in CPR, is a Peer Helper, a member of the art club and a volunteer for Hispanic Heritage Month.
She is a cross country state runner, member of the Spanish club and treasurer of the history club. She is a volunteer for working on the Homecoming float, graduation usher for the Class of 2025 and a participant in the FBLA doughnut fundraiser and the FBLA toy drive. She is the secretary and treasurer of FCCLA and is a “Heart Attacking” nursing homes volunteer.
Melanie Gonzalez is the daughter of Jose Gonzalez and Norma Rodriguez. She is a student at Phil Campbell High School. She plans to pursue secondary education (mathematics) at the University of Alabama.
Activities and honors include the Franklin County Partnership Banquet, the Cummings Memorial Award, Black History Month Banquet, Franklin County Junior Leaders, Russellville Christmas parade, National Honor Society, Love Like Lexi Project and Dream Girl grade representative.
She has volunteered for the Happy Hollow banquet, Pumpkin Palooza, Red Bay Founders Day Festival, July Fest, Watermelon Festival, Dashing through the Shoals, Phil Campbell Festival, Cattlemen’s Banquet, Latino Heritage Festival, Little Miss Dream Girl Bootcamp, NJHS canned food drive and State of the School.
Kayden Headlee is the daughter of Kristen Davis and Jamey Davis. She is a student at Phil Campbell High School. Her career goal is to become a nurse practitioner, and her college choices are the University of North Alabama and the University of Mobile.
Activities include serving as a Franklin County Junior Leader, Operation Christmas Child Help, National Honor Society (four years), Mt. Hebron Baptist Church VBS, ALA Girls State Representative, The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular, Student Council President, Florence Help Center volunteer, FBLA president, Mosaic Mentoring, FBLA state job interview runner-up, Latino Heritage festival volunteer, UCA All-American Cheerleader, PCHS varsity cheerleader, Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Franklin County Watermelon Pageant, PCHS Yearbook Staff , AFTT studio dancer, Founders Day Festival and the church worship team.
Lola Mays is the daughter of Emily Mays and of Jonathan and Jo Ellen Mays. A student at Phil Campbell High School, she plans to attend Samford University and earn a Doctor of Pharmacy. Activities and honors include National Honor Society, 4.0 GPA, NWSCC-Phi Theta Kappa, 15 hours dual enrollment, Franklin County Junior Leader, PCHS varsity cheerleader, AFTT company dance team, AHSAA District 7 student leadership representative, Troy University Patriot Academy-Colony Leader (First place colony presentation), Auburn University High School leadership conference representative (First place, client service), FBLA vice president, State Leadership Conference (First place in Client Service), Franklin County Spark Tank-Most Socially Impactful Product, Phil Campbell Stock Market Game (First place), 2025 PCHS Dream Girl Pageant, Top Ten (fourth alternate), Giving Club, FCCLA, Student Council, Student Ambassador, Mosaic Mentoring, Gymnastics teacher at AFTT Studio and working as a receptionist at Community Spirit Bank.
Isabella Welch is the daughter of Meegan Scott and Dustin Welch. A student at Phil Campbell High School, she plans to attend the University of North Alabama and become an elementary teacher. Activities and honors include the National Honor Society, all county first team for softball, all area honorable mention for softball and serving as a volunteer for the Special Olympics, Fun Day and her church.
The program
Distinguished Young Women provides scholarships and life skills training for high school seniors from Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties.
Susan Hargett, co-chair of the Northwest Alabama Distinguished Young Women event, said the focus is on helping young women prepare for their futures, not on appearance or spending money. She noted some participants even found dresses in thrift shops and were encouraged to keep a natural look.
She tells contestants that judging can be subjective, comparing it to choosing a favorite ice cream flavor. A different night or a different panel might result in different winners.
“It is not that anyone did anything wrong,” she said. “It is just the judges’ preference at that moment.”
Hargett said the program’s real value is in the growth participants experience.
“Better speaking and interview skills, new confidence, and friendships that last long after the program,” she said. “Even girls who did not win often tell me it changed their lives.”
Hargett and Katernia Cole Coffey co-chair the program each year.
“Congratulations to all participants and winners. Being a part of the Distinguished Young Women program is truly a life-changing experience. It is one that will pave the way for many more incredible opportunities and lasting memories,” Coffey said.
The program is free for seniors, who receive T-shirts, a program book and meals during the week. Younger girls, called Little Sisters, participate for a small fee as a fundraiser.
For information, go to https://www.distinguishedyw.org, or search “Distinguished Young Women of Northwest Alabama” on Facebook.
