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Morgan Academy senior Molly Bohannon was crowned the Distinguished Young Woman of Dallas County for the Class of 2025 on Saturday at Selma High School. She received a scholarship prize of $3,000.

Sydney Pritchett of Selma High was chosen as the first alternate, and Meadowview Christian School’s Catherine Perry was named the second alternate. Pritchett received a second place scholarship prize of $2,000. Perry received a scholarship prize of $1,500. 

Bohannon will compete for the state title representing Dallas County on January 24-25 in Montgomery. The 2025 national competition will be held at the Mobile Civic Center theater next June.

The daughter of Dr. Sean Bohannon and Dana Bohannon, Bohannon plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in nursing. She is also active at Morgan Academy, serving as a cheerleader, playing basketball, track, tennis, and volleyball.

All 12 contestants competed for over $11,000 in college scholarships under the theme “Go for Gold.” 

Lydia Smitherman, Makayla Muse, Brooke Egbert, Kenlynn Lawrence, Alyssa McCloud, Mackenzie King, Layken Smitherman, Maddie Smith and Jai Calhoun also competed in DYW.

Here’s how the contestants fared in category and their scholarship prizes:

-Scholastic, $250 each awarded to Sydney Pritchett, Catherine Perry and Makayla Muse.

-Interview- $250 each awarded to Molly Bohannan, Kenlynn Lawrence and Sydney Pritchett.

-Fitness- $250 each awarded to Alyssa McCloud, Makayla Muse, and Catherine Perry.

-Self-Expression-$250 each awarded to Maddie Smith, Alyssa McCloud and Sydney Pritchett.

-Talent- $250 each awarded to Catherine Perry, Molly Bohannan and Sydney Pritchett

-Be Your Best Your Best Self Essay, $250 awarded to Sydney Pritchett.

-Spirit, $250 awarded to Maddie Smith.

-Most Sponsors $250 each awarded to Brooke Egbert and Molly Bohannan.

The  Auburn University Montgomery College Granted Scholarships were awarded:

-GPA Based Opportunity Scholarship $4,000 each awarded to J’ai Calhoun and Mackenzie King.

-AUM Opportunity Scholarship- $8,000 each awarded to Kenlynn Lawrence, Maddie Smith and Lydia Smitherman.

-Recognition Scholarship $16,000 each awarded to Molly Bohannan, Brooke Egbert. Alyssa McCloud, Makayla Muse, Sydney Pritchett and Layken Smitherman.

-Achievement Scholarship -$20,000 awarded to Catherine Perry.

The DYW had several major sponsors.

Selma Charity League was a $1,500 diamond-level sponsor.

Horizon Investment Group, Dr. Julie Sams, Tucker Family Dentistry were $1,000 Platinum level sponsors.

TW Orthodontists, Vaughan Regional Medical Center, Children Dentistry of Central Alabama, Primary Health Solutions Primary Care. Sherry Taylor, American Apparel and Selma Family Care-Dr. Sean Bohannon was the $500 Gold level sponsors.

Selma Rotary Club, Talton Communications, Preferred Eye Care, Henry Brick, Dr. Gerald B Anderson II,  Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Selma, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office- say no to drugs, TK Electric, Safford Trading Company, Hawthorne, Atchinson &Riddle, LLC Personal Injury Attorneys, Hancock’s BBQ and John and Sara Cox were the $250 Silver level sponsors.

Dallas Avenue Pharmacy, Mason & Company P.C. CPRs, Steve Lane Truck and Auto, Dr. Mark S. Lawrence, Larry and Retha Herrod, Tally Ho, Randall Miller Funeral Services, Computer & Data Network Solutions and Selma Doctor’s Clinic were the $125 Bronze level sponsors.

The $100 Patron level sponsors were: First Cahawba Bank, Valley Creek Veterinary Hospital, Brennan and Hailey Nedley, Sandra and Ken Smith, Selmont Service Center/Anthony Draime, Hancock’s BBQ, Lee and Kea Calame. 

The $75 Donor level sponsors were: Dr. Lisa Morenzoni, State Senator Robert Stewart, Pilcher McBryde Drug Company, Pilcher & Reid, P.C., Central Alabama Audiology, In Shape Fitness, Primary Eye Care Center, Plantation Tree Company, Hog Heaven, Fuller Building Supply, Selma Newspaper, Inc., Section Valley Came Calls, Ashley Brooke Photography, Scott and Beth Egbert.

The “Has Been” Sponsors were: Kay Bryson English, Demisha Stough, Sheridan Jones Calhoon, Kay Tidwell Sanford, Meg Hogg, Katie Taylor Miller, Hannah Creech, Esosa Aghedo, Mary Alan Ousley and Leila Kelly.

DYW chairman Demisha Stough thanked the parents, schools, contestants and local businesses that supported the program. Meals were provided by Hancock’s BBQ and KFC Selma. 

“On behalf of the DYW of Dallas County Committee, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous contributions to our program,” Stough said. “Through your support, we were able to award over $12,000 in scholarships