Hannah Miller is accustomed to the spotlight.

The recent Fort Dale Academy graduate has been performing in dance recitals for a decade and is a regular on stage, both singing and dancing, with the Ritz Players in the annual production of Putting on the Ritz.

On Thursday, Miller took center stage in a completely different venue as the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Greenville’s weekly meeting at Beeland Park.

“I’ve performed in front of thousands of people at the state competition and I still was not as nervous as I am right now,” Miller told the Rotarians.

Miller, Butler County’s 2016 Distinguished Young Woman, was on hand to share about her experience competing at Alabama’s Distinguished Young Women competition in Montgomery, which was held in January, as well as the local competition, which was held in July.

Miller said that while she was reluctant at first to enter the local competition, she thankful she did.

“I can honestly say that, as cliché as it sounds, you really do have a newfound confidence after you participate in the competition because you are forced to struggle together, and you’re forced to see what you’re made of and you’re forced to work hard and put your best into it,” Miller said. “It really can be lifechanging.”

Miller said that both the state and the local competitions were stressful and exciting all at the same time.

“State was a whole different ballgame,” she said with a smile. “I’m a dancer of 10 years, so I’m in pretty good shape and I can normally keep up, but that fitness routine was nothing to play about. It was like military boot camp.”

In addition to winning the county title, Miller also took home two category awards, talent and interview, at the local level. Miller wowed audience members at the both the state and local level with her soulful rendition of the Jackson Five’s 1970s ballad “I’ll Be There.”

She was awarded a $1,750 cash scholarship for winning the title, along with $600 in scholarship money for the two category wins.

At the state level, Miller won one of five talent awards.

Miller said one the major highlights on competing was the opportunity to deepen friendships and build new friendships on both the local level and the state level.

“I can honestly say I didn’t know what the definition of a best friend was until I met them,” she said.

Miller said that she and recent Georgiana graduate Danielle Tyus, who finished in the top three at the local competition, formed a friendship that has carried on well after the competition. She also developed a close relationship with Katherine Carothers, Houston County’s Distinguished Young Woman.

“We still talk every day,” she said. “It really just goes to show that even though there’s a lot at stake, you really do gain so much more than just scholarships. You gain friends, you gain confidence, and you really do learn to see yourself for what you really are and what you’re capable of.”

Miller said she would definitely encourage upcoming seniors to get involved at the local level.

“It’s just a wonderful experience,” she said. “I’m so happy I did it.”

Butler County’s 2017 Distinguished Young Woman will be named at the competition on July 30.

For more information on the local competition contact Butler County DYW chairperson Starla Jones at (334) 301-5403.