The countdown to Alabama’s Distinguished Young Women is on, and local residents will have the opportunity this weekend to wish  Crenshaw County’s Mallory Jones good luck.

Jones, a senior at Luverne High School, was named Crenshaw County’s Distinguished Young Woman in June.

She will take part in the state program Jan. 17-18 at Frazer Methodist Church in Montgomery.

During the June event, Jones also won self-expression, talent and scholastic categories.

Jones said she is excited about the state program.

“I’m looking forward to getting to meet all the other participants, and, of course, representing Crenshaw County,” she said. “I’ve heard from so many girls who have been that it has been one of the best experiences of their lives.”

Jones said she’ll leave for Montgomery on Jan. 10, and will stay with her host family – the Brindles.

She’ll share the home with Pike County’s DYW and Chilton County’s DYW.

For her talent, she’ll sing “Popular” from the musical “Wicked.”

She is the daughter or Billy and Cindy Jones.

A sendoff is planned for Sunday, Jan. 5, from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m., at Luverne High School’s auditorium.