A new Distinguished Young Woman of Kingfisher County will be crowned this weekend.

The 57th scholarship program will feature eight Kingfisher County high school juniors vying for the title and several thousand in scholarship dollars at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at Kingfisher Heritage Auditorium.

All seats to the event are $10, but children 3 and under are free.

“I say it every year that I am glad I don’t have to judge the program,” said Katie Ward, local director for DYW Kingfisher County.

Ward said this year is no exception.

“Especially after creating a bond with each girl, it is hard to select the categories and title holder for me,” she said.

“This year, the fitness routine is one of the hardest routines I have choreographed and the girls are handling it flawlessly. They are a really athletic group of girls with a variety of talents to showcase on stage.”

Showcasing those talents will be Hadlee Bryan of Dover High School; Marisol Valles of Hennessey High School; Chloe Meier of Lomega High School; and Brooke Barton, Aryne Bollenbach, Angela Muñoz, Kamryn Purintun and Addison Willson of Kingfisher High School.

The theme of “Let’s Go Be Our Best Selves” is a take on the Barbie movie and each contestant will be dressing up as a “Barbie” of her choice in the opening number when they introduce themselves.

The group has been practicing for the program since Sept. 17 for the opening number, fitness routine and the self expression.

Libbie Barnett, a current KHS senior and contestant last year, has helped teach the choreography for the opening number.

Her mother, Tiffanie Barnett, is the judge’s chairperson.

“She found five amazing judges to select who receives which scholarships,” Ward said.

The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. There will also be scholarships starting at $400 awarded to categories of “Be Your Best Self” essay, Spirit Award, scholastic, interview, fitness, talent and self expression.

Those winning second runner-up and first runner- up will also receive scholarships.

Autumn (Berkenbile) Blackburn, a contestant in the Junior Miss pageant for the class of 2008, will serve as the emcee.

Contestants from last year’s program will take part as well. They’ll begin the program with the National Anthem and will also be handing out awards. Among them is last year’s winner, Kylie Hood of Kingfi sher who is also currently the DYW of Oklahoma. “I’m so lucky that I have been able to serve my community in this way,” Hood said.

“The ability to pass this honor to the next girl is so exciting. This year’s participants are all so great and I know that whoever is next will go on to do even bigger and better things.”