Two RHS students advance to state DYW competition
Jan. 19-20 two Russellville High School students, Alison Bryant and Ellie Kerby, will compete in Montgomery against other girls from across the state for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama.
Bryant won Franklin County’s Distinguished Young Woman title in August 2017, and Kerby won Lawrence County’s DYW title in September 2017.
DYW is a national scholarship program that rewards college scholarships to girls based on their talent, scholastic achievements, fitness and leadership.
“We are very proud that both of these students will be competing for such a prestigious honor,” said Kellie Singleton, spokesperson for Russellville City Schools.
While in Montgomery this week, Bryant and Kerby have been staying with host families. DYW practice began Saturday.
“It’s long days. We start at like 7 a.m. and go until 8-9 p.m.,” Kerby said.
The girls said the most intensive work goes into the fitness routine, which starts with a four-minute group dance, followed by individual routines. DYW contestants have to learn all the dances by watching an instructor on video, before they even get to Montgomery. and then put the individual routines together.
“There’s a stretch portion, a push-up portion, a sit-up portion and cardio,” Bryant said.
Contestants also have to practice self-expression, which is when they walk around the stage in their evening dresses and answer an onstage question. Bryant said the questions can range from politics to education to something silly, “What makes you so happy you could dance?” – her local competition question.
Bryant and Kerby both said although the DYW competition provides a challenge, requiring extensive preparation and adherence to strict rules, it has been a rewarding experience.
“It’s helped me understand the responsibility and hard work that it takes to actually get where you want to go and do what you want to do,” Kerby said.
It also gives the girls the chance to showcase their talents. Bryant, who has been in color guard for four years, will be doing a flag and rifle routine. Kerby, who has been dancing since she was 3 and competing since she was 6, will be performing a dance to the musical theater song “Life of the Party.”
While they are working hard, Bryant and Kerby agreed one of the best parts of the experience is the friends they have made. Bryant was able to make friends when she competed locally with Colbert and Lauderdale County girls. Kerby said she made friends at their orientation Dec. 2, and she was looking forward to meeting the girls at the state level.
“This has taught me how to make friendships in so many amazing ways. It has also taught me about myself and what I can do and valuable life skills,” Bryant said.
Bryant and Kerby both received scholarships at the local level and have the chance to receive another at the state level if either one wins and advances to the national program in Mobile.
