Pike Liberal Arts student Emily Wise admits that she is a little nervous about the upcoming Distinguished Young Women of Alabama competition, but not in the way one might think.

Wise captured the crown in the Pike County competition in August, and is one of 53 girls from across Alabama that will travel to Montgomery for the state competition.

“I am very honored to have won the local competition,” said Wise. “All the girls were great, and I enjoyed every part of the event.”

The competition will last 10 days in Alabama’s capital city, and Wise said the dance routine is the biggest hurdle for her.

“I’m sure I will be really tired when it is all done,” Wise said.

“I have to learn the entire routine, and perform it the best I can. It is really draining, but will be a good experience.

A special send-off gathering will be held on Sunday afternoon at the Pike Liberal Arts School library. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. and is open to the public.

Wise said that she would love to see members of the community at the event and wants citizens to know how proud she is to represent Pike County.

“I am very happy to have the support of the people of Troy,” said Wise.

“I want to be able to tell everyone how much I appreciate everyone and everything.”

Distinguished Young Women of Alabama is an official state preliminary of Distinguished Young Women, a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women.

In addition to earning scholarships for college, those who participate in the Distinguished Young Women program develop friendships, self-confidence and other life skills that pave the way for future success.

The competition for scholarships begins at the local level, in towns and cities. Participants from each of the 46 local programs advance to the state competition in Montgomery where a panel of five judges will select one representative to advance to the annual national finals competition.

State representatives from all 50 states will travel to Mobile, for the 56th Annual Distinguished Young Women National Finals, June 27-29, 2013.

All state representatives will compete for a share of more than $130,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the national program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America.

“It would be very overwhelming and exciting to win the state competition,” said Wise. “I would just be speechless.”