Published at 7:25 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Lowndes County Young Woman of Honor 2023 Harley Hooper, will compete in Alabama’s Young Woman of Honor on Friday and Saturday.
Lowndes Academy seniors Molly Powell and Harley Hooper joined varsity All-American cheerleaders from around the country, performing at the New Year’s Eve Parade in London.
Harley Hooper, the 2023 Lowndes County Young Woman of Distinction, will participate in the Alabama Young Woman of Distinction Program on Friday and Saturday at Frazer Church in Montgomery.
“It is an honor to represent Lowndes County in the Alabama Young Women program,” said Hooper. “It means a lot to me to participate in something that encourages us to be healthy, aspire, and participate. I encourage all young women to attend.”
Michelle Hooper, Harley’s mother, said Lowndes High School started the week Sunday and was hosted at the home of Spence and Cecily Agee in Prattville.
During the week leading up to the program, she and 40 other DYWs [made] appearances at the Inaugural Show for Governor Kay Ivey, as well as luncheons at the Governor’s Mansion, the Kiwanis Club, and the Cattlemen’s Association. Recently, Harley was selected to host the 2022 Governor’s Mansion Christmas Candle Tour.
Young women competing in the weekend event will be judged by a panel of five judges in the disciplines, interview, fitness, presentation, and talent. Participants practiced and practiced throughout the week with no contact from friends and family other than cards and letters of encouragement.
In July, Harley represented Lowndes County as DYW and worked hard to prepare for the state program, Michelle said.
She and other contestants will compete for $32,000 in cash scholarships and more than $2 million in college scholarships. The winner will represent Alabama as the state’s Young Woman of Honor.
Harley is active in sports and school-sponsored activities at Lowndes Academy. She is the daughter of John and Michelle Hooper of Lowndesboro and plans to attend the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
On New Year’s Day, Harley joined fellow Lowndes Academy cheerleader Molly Powell and varsity All-American cheerleaders from across the country to perform in London’s New Year’s Day Parade in Piccadilly Square and helped raise over £2 million charity in London.
On Friday, Harley will showcase her talent performance, and on Saturday, she will compete in the showmanship and fitness categories. The finals are scheduled for Saturday evening.
Tickets can be purchased at al.distinguishedyw.org and may be ordered individually or as a weekend pass.
