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Demisha Stough is the right person to serve as Chairman of the Distinguished Young Women of Dallas County.

Stough’s connection to DYW began during the early 1980’s when it was known as Dallas County Junior Miss. Stough won Dallas County Junior Miss in 1983, Her daughter,  Megan Stough Johnson, won Dallas County Junior Miss in 2007.

“I have been involved in this program for over 40 years,” Stough said. “I am very passionate about the impact it has on young ladies in our community.”

Molly Bohannon was the DYW winner of 2025. No doubt that Stough impacted the Morgan Academy senior.

“Words can’t even express how grateful and blessed I am to be given the opportunity,” Bohannon said. “If you would’ve told me a few years back that I was even participating, I probably would’ve laughed. This program has taught me so much about myself and helped me gain a new confidence that I never knew I had”

Residents in Selma and Dallas County strongly support Stough’s vision of DYW. Stough built a stellar list of who’s who in the community for sponsorships, ranging from $1,500 to $75. She thanked each one of them. 

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

Horizon Investment Group, Dr. Julie Sams, and 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 $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, Megan Stough Johnson, Sheridan Jones Calhoon, Kay Tidwell Sanford, Meg Hogg, Katie Taylor Miller, Hannah Creech, Esosa Aghedo, Mary Alan Ousley and Leila Kelly, last year’s DYW winner.

Kelly lived by the philosophy established by legendary NFL coach John Madden: “She’s the champion until they crown another one.”

We look forward to what Stough has in store for DYW next year. 

James Jones is the managing editor of The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at james.jones@selmatimesjournal.com.