Morgan Academy’s Taylor Ellis and Meadowview Christian’s Kinsley Mott are vying for the title of Distinguished Young Women of Alabama.

The scholarship competition offers high school seniors the chance to earn scholarship money with meeting other ladies across the state.

“I’m super excited because it’s a new experience, and I’m all about something new and a change,” said Ellis, who will represent Perry County in the competition. “I’m really excited about the friendships and the bond I’m going to make this next week and how they’re going to last a life time.”

Ellis, 17, has plans to attend the University of Montevallo to major in communications or graphic design.

“I just want to help my parents out with college, and it’s something fun,” Ellis said. “It really makes girls branch out and get out of their comfort zone, which I think is really awesome for people because when you do that, you meet all these different people and you have new experiences.”

Ellis will be singing “Broken Vessels” by Hillsong for her talent, although she said her favorite part about the competition is the interview or self-expression.

“I’m a real talkative, people person. I just like talking to people,” Ellis said.

She said she is more nervous for the fitness routine.

“It’s a really, really long routine with a lot of pushups,” Ellis said.

Overall, she said she is just looking forward to getting to know the girls she’ll be competing with.

“I’ve met most of the girls and they’re all really sweet and we get along really well,” she said. “It’s an amazing experience.”

Moss, 17, will be representing Dallas County in the competition.

“I’m definitely nervous, and really excited, but the nerves are taking over right now because it’s so close,” Mott said. “But I think once I get there and get in the mood of everything, I’ll get even more excited.”

Mott has plans to attend Auburn University to become a nurse practitioner, so her hopes are to earn scholarship money to help with college, along with making new friends.

“I knew that I wanted to go to Auburn and be a nurse practitioner, and I know that’s going to be expensive, so I really did it for the scholarships. But once I got there, I made so many friends, so that was my favorite part, getting to know everybody,” Mott said.

“I think the best part of the program is getting to meet people all over your state … and the scholarships.”

Mott will be performing a lyrical dance, “Flashlight” by Jessie J. for her talent.

The scholarship competition will take place at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery from Jan. 20-21. For more information or to purchase tickets, email AlabamaDYWtickets@gmail.com.