Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images courtesy of DYW – Walker County
Since 1958, the Distinguished Young Women program has been helping high school girls discover their strengths and reach their potential. What began nationally as America’s Junior Miss has grown into the largest scholarship program of its kind, offering opportunities for education, leadership, and personal development.
Here in Walker County, the program has been a tradition since 1969, encouraging young women to shine in areas like academics, talent, interview, self-expression, and fitness.
This year’s program will take place on Sunday, September 28, at 3 p.m. at Rowland Auditorium on the Jasper Campus of Bevill State Community College (1411 Indiana Avenue).
Program chair Lynn Mosley tells The Walker Leader, “We have nine outstanding participants from four schools this year, and we’ve had wonderful support in donations for scholarships and programs. We will be awarding $5,000 in cash tuition scholarships for the overall winner, first and second alternates, and six individual category winners. Our 2026 Distinguished Young Woman of Walker County will move on to compete at the state level in Montgomery in January.”
The following are the 2026 Distinguished Young Women of Walker County program participants, listed alphabetically by last name:
Kayley Bivona
Parents: Katherine and John Bivona
High School: Jasper High School
Career Goal: Dermatologist
College Choice: Auburn University
Talent: Piano, Rondo a Capriccio, Op. 129
Haylee Charles
Parents: Crystal and Steven Charles
High School: Oakman High School
Career Goal: Geneticist
College Choice: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Talent: Singing, Piece by Piece
Julia Jackson
Parents: Jana and Reed Jackson
High School: Jasper High School
Career Goal: Lawyer
College Choice: The University of Alabama
Talent: Singing, Maybe This Time
Sara Beth Jackson
Parents: Misty and Melton Jackson
High School: Cordova High School
Career Goal: Sports Psychiatrist
College Choice: The University of Alabama
Talent: Singing, Helpless
Karmen Luts
Parents: Candice and Randar Luts
High School: Jasper High School
Career Goal: Scientist
College Choice: Tartu University
Talent: Ballet en pointe, Nutcracker Suite
Emily Hope Miller
Parents: Kim and Greg Miller
High School: Sumiton Christian High School
Career Goal: Business Marketing
College Choice: The University of Alabama or Troy University
Talent: Clogging, 9 to 5
Haley Sherer
Parents: Tracey and Justin Sherer
High School: Jasper High School
Career Goal: Medevac Pilot
College Choice: Liberty University
Talent: Playing ukulele singing, Reckless Love
Prestley Skelton
Parents: Morgan and Matthew Skelton
High School: Jasper High School
Career Goal: Legislative Director
College Choice: The University of Alabama
Talent: Artistic Gymnastics Floor Routine, Tango de Roxanne (Instrumental)
Katie Walker
Parents: Caroline and Jerrod Walker
High School: Jasper High School
Career Goal: Dermatologist
College Choice: The University of South Alabama or Samford University
Talent: Singing, Sing by Pentatonix
