MADISON – Brina Harden, a senior at James Clemens High School, is representing Limestone County as Distinguished Young Woman and will participate in the state contest in January 2020.

Brina’s interest for DYW peeked when she attended Alabama Girls State this summer. Many girls participate in both programs.

She was looking for scholarship opportunities and discovered that DYW also taught life skills for the future.

“Being Distinguished Young Woman of Limestone County has opened up a world of opportunities,” Brina said. “I’m more involved with my community by participating in parades, shadowing in the profession I want and having the honor of being recognized by Madison Board of Education.”

For talent, Brina performed “Liz on Top of the World” by Dario Marianelli on piano, which “takes you through the English countryside and transcribes the feeling of being on top of the world.”

Her interview ranged from personal interests to current events and civics questions. “I worked really hard, drilling my piano piece and fitness routine. I also love public speaking and have been involved with debate team,” Brina said.

In county competition, Brina won the scholastics, interview, talent and fitness categories and received $1,250 in scholarships.

For college, she is applying to Georgetown University and Vanderbilt but keeping the University of Alabama high on her list. She plans to major in English and become a corporate lawyer.

Her parents are Kimberley Harden, a stay-at-home mother, and Wendell Harden, Engineering Site Manager for Ascend Performance Materials in Decatur.

At James Clemens, Brina is SGA Executive Treasurer and participates in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Interact Club, Debate Team and Future Business Leaders of America. A favorite service project is Free to Teach that gives supplies to teachers.

Harden will participate in DYW’s state competition at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery on Jan. 17-18, 2020.

Harden is extremely thankful to participate in DYW at the state level. “I’ll have opportunities to win more scholarship money and, more importantly, develop more friendships and skills,” she said.

Madison will have two representatives at the state program: Harden for Limestone County and Mary Caton ‘M.C.’ Davidson for Madison County. These two 2019 DYW representatives attend the same school in the same city.