By Morgan Burkett
The Greenville Advocate

The Butler and Lowndes County Distinguished Young Women programs are right around the corner and that means the High Heel Boot Camp is too.

“High Heel Boot Camp was started to help introduce the Distinguished Young Woman program to younger girls so that hopefully they will aspire to be a part of the group when they become seniors in high school,” said Starla Jones, chairman of the DYW board.

Girls in first through sixth grade can gain experience in learning a dance routine, performing and speaking on stage, meeting with the participants and getting a firsthand look at what it feels like to be involved in a rehearsal.

Another part of the High Heels Boot Camp includes the participants learning more about the Be Your Best Self program and its components — be healthy, be involved, be studious, be ambitious and be responsible. This program encourages the girls to apply these principles to their lives as they grow so that they can be their best selves.

Practices will be at the Ritz Theatre on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, July 30, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The performance will be during the Distinguished Young Woman program on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre.

The participation fee is $30.

For more information contact Tracey Hendrick at thendrick@fortdale.com or Jones at skjones@centurytel.net.