What sets Distinguished Young Women pageants apart from others is that there are no crowns. Winners receive a medallion and scholarship money — a lot of scholarship money.

Distinguished Young Women is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. More than $365 million in college scholarship opportunities were provided last year, some of which included full tuition, room, and board to colleges and universities across the country.

The scholarships awarded at the local, state and national level are the cornerstone of the program, which was founded in 1958 in Mobile, Ala.

But just one month away from the local competition, the Distinguished Young Women of Butler County Program is struggling to collect scholarship funds. To date, the organization has collected $1,625. Its goal is $4,700.

Chairperson Starla Jones said it’s not too late for individuals and businesses to donate.

“Any amount is acceptable and greatly appreciated,” she said.

All donations are tax deductible and are handled by the Alabama Junior Miss Scholarship Foundation, a 501c3 charitable foundation.

According to Jones, all scholarships are cash scholarships awarded to the participants and can be used at the college of their choice.

Butler County Distinguished Young Woman Sierra Teate received $2,250 in scholarship money for winning last year’s competition.

This year, there are eight high schools seniors from Fort Dale Academy, Georgiana School and Greenville High School taking part in the competition.

The competition will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Ritz Theatre in Greenville.

For more information or to make a donation to the scholarship fund, contact Jones at skjones@centurytel.net or (334) 376-5621.