A Selma resident will represent Dallas County in this weekend’s Distinguish Young Women of Alabama program in Montgomery.

Selma resident Marissa Moore will serve as the Dallas County’s representative in the Distinguish Young Women of Alabama scholarship competition. Founded in 1958, the scholarship program “positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent,” according to the program’s press release.

“They have to be aware of their surroundings,” Leigh I. Blackwell, a committee member of the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program, said. “We are looking at that well-rounded girl.”

Moore is among 48 participants eligible to earn $41,000 in cash scholarships, more than $2 Million in college granted scholarships and the opportunity to represent the State as the Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama for 2014.

Moore is a senior at Selma High School and serves a member of the National Honor Society, Selma High Choir and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She is also a member of Youth Leadership Selma-Dallas County.

The 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama will be named Saturday during statewide scholarship competition final to be held in Montgomery at 7 p.m. Admission tickets for the ceremony are $30.

Moore’s mother, Genevieve Moore said she was excited to learn of her daughter’s big accomplishment.

“This a dream come true for Marissa,” Genevieve said. “She has worked really hard to get here, and we are all so proud.”

Genevieve said that Moore was not afraid to step out on faith and take a chance and apply for the scholarship program.

“She truly believes that in order to achieve, you must first try,” Genevieve said. “She is a brave young lady.”

Genevieve said that many have supported her along the way, including Moore’s grandmother Geneva Moore, her sister Brittany Moore, and members of the community.

“Her grandmother Geneva Moore is her biggest cheerleader, and we always encouraged her to strive for excellence,” she said. “The support from her sister Britanny and the community has been tremendous.”

The participant selected, as the Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama will

Advance to the National level at the 57th Distinguished Young Women National Finals scheduled for June in Mobile.

They will join with 49 other state representative in competing for cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America.

Marissa’s parents are Genevieve Moore, Pricie Johnson and Geneva Moore.

She plans to attend Alabama A&M University and major in food science. Her talent will be a contemporary dance to Discombobulate from Sherlock Holmes.

She is a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, as well as a student and student teacher at McConnell Twins Dance Studio.