Eight high school senior girls from across the county will compete for more than $7,000 in scholarships during next weekend’s Distinguished Young Woman of Marengo County program.

The annual event will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at Demopolis High School’s auditorium.

The girls will perform poise, talent and fitness routines on stage. Another part of each girl’s score will be academics and an earlier interview with judges.

The public is encouraged to attend and support these young ladies. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available that night at the door.

Candidates for 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Marengo County are:

•Ali Cristwell (Candidate No. 1) — Ali is the daughter of Tommy and Ellen Cristwell.

She is a senior at Demopolis High School where she is a DHS cheerleader, member of the DHS Key Club, DECA chapter member and 2013 UCA All-American award recipient. She is a member of the Linden United Methodist Church and serves as the youth representative to the board. Her sponsor for the program is Lily White Cleaners. For her talent presentation, Ali will sing “Popular” from the Broadway hit “Wicked.” Ali plans to attend the University of Mobile and double major in education and pre-med.

•Chynna Ernest (Candidate No. 2) — Chynna is the daughter of Joe Ernest and Lynne Ernest.

She is a senior at Sweet Water High School where she is a member of the yearbook staff, robotics team, the Beta Club and a SWHS cheerleader. She is a member of her church youth group and received the HOBY Award. Her sponsor for the program is Linden Lumber. For her talent, Chynna will perform sign language to Jimmy Needham’s “Clear the Stage.” Chynna plans to attend The University of Montevallo and pursue a master’s degree in business and continue on to law school.

•Riley King (Candidate No. 3) — Riley is the daughter of Steven and Rachel King.

She is a senior at Demopolis High School where she is vice president of the Student Council, vice president of the Beta Club, and a member of the Science National Honor Society, DHS softball and DHS volleyball. Riley received the 2012 Volleyball Captain Award and was the 2012 Softball Defensive Player of the Year. Her sponsor for the program is Stonebridge Appraisal Company. For her talent, Riley will perform a monologue. Riley plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham to pursue a career as a doctor.

•Rachel England (Candidate No. 4) — Rachel is the daughter of Dan and Ellen England.

She is a senior at Demopolis High School where she is the Alabama DECA state vice president, Key Club president, “Vine and Olive” yearbook editor, Computer Club vice president, Science National Honor Society secretary, Beta Club secretary and a member of the Spanish Club. She is the Voice of Democracy Essay contest winner and a Student Council representative. Her sponsor for the program is England Survey and Mapping. For her talent, Rachel will perform a piano solo, “Fantasie Impromptu Op. 66” by Frederick Chopin. Rachel plans to attend the University of Alabama and pursue a career as an attorney.

•Baleigh Grace (Candidate No. 5) — Baleigh is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carey Potter Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Grace.

She is a senior at Demopolis High School where she is Anchor Club president, secretary of the Key Club, a member of the Science National Honor Society and a member of the Beta Club. She is a YOUth Lead participant and an active member of the Demopolis UMC Youth. Her sponsor for the program is the Farmhouse Restaurant. For her talent presentation, Baleigh will sing “Make You Fell My Love” by Bob Dylan. Baleigh plans to attend the Auburn University and pursue a career as a pharmacist.

•Andrea Landrum (Candidate No. 6) — Andrea is the daughter of Roosevelt and Jackie Landrum.

She is a senior at Sweet Water High School where she is the Step Team leader, Dance Team leader, a member of the newspaper staff, team captain of the basketball team, member of the softball team and a SWHS cheerleader. She is the Student Government treasurer and was a member of the All-County softball team. She is sponsored for the program by New Mt. Mariah Baptist Church. For her talent presentation, she will perform a cheer dance. Andrea plans to attend Auburn University at Montgomery to pursue a degree in mathematics and become a clinical lab technician.

•Shelby Thompson (Candidate No. 7) — Shelby is the daughter of Pat and Candy Thompson.

Shelby is a senior at Sweet Water High School where she is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Beta Club, the varsity softball team and the yearbook staff. She is the co-captain of the cheerleading squad and the spirit leader for the robotics team. Her sponsor for the program is the Sweet Water Gin Company. For her talent presentation, Shelby will perform sign language to “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele. She plans to attend the University of West Alabama and pursue a degree in athletic training or physical therapy.

•Emily Thompson (Candidate No. 8) — Emily is the daughter of Michael and Kimberly Thompson.

She is a senior at Sweet Water High School where she is a member the Beta Club, the cheer captain, co-editor of the yearbook staff, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader. She is the assistant worship leader for Putnam Baptist Church and a member of the Gospel choir. Her sponsor for the program is Whatley Timber. For her talent presentation, Emily will sing “I Just Want to Be a Star” from “Nunsense.” Emily plans to attend Mississippi State University and pursue a career as a child psychologist.