Eleven young women will compete for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Butler County. The annual scholarship program is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Butler County Community College's Succop Theater, 250 College Drive.

Last year, more than $12,000 in scholarship awards were given out, according to Barbara Brandon, the chairman of the event.

The scholarships will go directly to the college or university the award winners will be attending following their graduation from high school in 2015.

Scholarships will be awarded to the top three contestants based on interviews, scholastic achievement, talent, fitness and self-expression.

In addition to winning a scholarship, the county winner will proceed to the state event during the last week of July in Johnstown.

The state winner will advance to the national program in Mobile, Ala., following her high school graduation in June 2015.

Brandon said this is the 53rd year for the program.

Kiana Green, the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Butler County, won $5,550 in scholarship awards. She will graduate from Butler High School Tuesday. She plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to become an anesthesiologist.

This year's contestants are:

Mackenzie Shae Birckbichler, the daughter of Robert Birckbichler of Karns City and Stacy Hilliard of Karns City. She attends Karns City High School, where she is a member of the Honor Roll and Stand Tall. She will sing “The Cup Song” by Anna Kendrick.

Trista Marie Dunkle, the daughter of Robert Dunkle of Petrolia and Sandy Lassinger of Karns City. She attends Karns City High School, where she is a member of the Honor Roll, Peer Leadership and Health Occupations Students of America. She will give a vocal and guitar performance of “She Talks to Angels” by the Black Crowes.

Emily Elizabeth Ekas, the daughter of Scott and Christine Ekas of Butler. She attends Knoch High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the school musical dance troupe. She takes professional dance lessons at the Butler Center for the Performing Arts. She will perform a lyrical dance to “Never Alone” by Barlow Girl.

Claire Marie Georgiadis, the daughter of Steven and Leslie Georgiadis of Mars. She attends Mars High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She is member of the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh High School Program and the Greek Orthodox Youth of America and Church Choir. She will give a ballet performance to “Variation” from “La Esmeralda.”

Hayley Rae Hoss, the daughter of Darla Ramirez-Hoss of Cranberry Township and Donald M. Hoss of Oil City. She attends Seneca Valley High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a qualifier for the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. She will sing “Take O Take Those Lips Away” by Amy Beach.

Elizabeth Margaret Lahm, the daughter of Eric and Jeanette Lahm of Cranberry Township. She attends Seneca Valley High School, where she received high scholastic honors and honors in district, regional and all-state choirs. She will sing “Crazy Dreams” from the TV show “Smash.”

Jordyn Dyann Noullet, the daughter of Dan and Heather Noullet of Butler. She attends Butler High School, where she is a member of Job's Daughters International, the National Junior Honor Society and the Sequinette Dance Team. She will perform a contemporary dance to “Brave” by Josh Groban.

Katrina Lynn Potter, the daughter of David and Sandra Potter of Butler. She attends Butler High School, where she is secretary of the Japanese Club, PMEA District Jazz Band pianist and three-year Pittsburgh Organ Academy Scholarship student. She will do a piano medley dubbed “Mario and Rosalina Fall in Love at the Observatory.”

Abigail Victoria Sledge, the daughter of Orryn and Victoria Sledge of Cranberry Township. She attends Seneca Valley High School, where she is a member of the Student Council, the National Honor Society and St. Lucy's Auxiliary to the Blind. She will give a persuasive speech entitled “Epic.”

Abby Rose Wellner, the daughter of Chris and Debbi Wellner of Butler. She attends Butler High School, where she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, College in the Classroom and the orchestra. She will give a violin performance of “Phantom of the Opera Medley” by Lindsey Stirling.

Jessica Sinclair White, the daughter of David and Jennifer White of Butler. She attends Butler High School, where she is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. She will sing “Honey Bun” from the Broadway musical “South Pacific.”

<B>WHAT: </B>Distinguished Young Woman of Butler County annual scholarship program<B>WHEN: </B>7 p.m. Saturday<B>WHERE: </B>Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater, 250 College Drive<B>TICKETS: </B>$15 for adults, $10 for students, available from contestants, at the door or by calling 724-287-6248