The 2023 Dogwood Trail Pageant and Scholarship Program invites Eastern Shore high schoolers to the program's upcoming orientation sessions on Sept. 18 and 20.

"We want each young woman who signs up to know that we are dedicated to enhancing her future," said JoAnn Broadus, program director. "We teach all the participants lessons that will help them achieve their goals – from interviewing and public speaking to presentation and writing skills. Every single student will learn something valuable."

The Dogwood Trail Program, which the Eastern Shore Optimist Club (ESOC) sponsors, has been a local tradition since 1961. ESOC members remain dedicated and diligent in working with each participant to advance their interpersonal skills by providing opportunities for public speaking, interview training, and teaching poise and composure, while holding each participant to a high standard of discipline leading up to the pageant in January.

Attendance at the orientation session is mandatory to participate in the 63rd Annual Dogwood Trail Pageant and Scholarship Program. Orientation sessions will be held on Sunday, Sept.18, from 4 – 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Sep. 20, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Prodisee Pantry in Spanish Fort (9315 Spanish Fort Blvd.).

All applicants and their parent or guardian must attend one of these sessions to compete in the pageant.

Applicant requirements are as follows:

• Must be female
• A current sophomore or junior who is either a full-time resident of the Eastern Shore or who attends school along the Eastern Shore (Spanish Fort, Blakeley, Malbis, Daphne, Montrose, Fairhope, Belforest or Point Clear).
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.

Participant applications will only be distributed at the two official orientation sessions. Applications will be due on either Sept. 25 or Oct. 2 during a pre-assigned time at the Prodisee Pantry. Complete application instructions will be given during each orientation meeting. There will also be time for applicants and their parents to ask questions about the pageant or program at each session.

The 63rd-Annual Dogwood Trail Pageant and Scholarship Program will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the Fairhope Civic Center.

Proceeds from the Pageant support The Eastern Shore Optimist Club youth scholarships, Dogwood Trail Court expenses and various charitable organizations throughout Baldwin County.

For more information about the Dogwood Trail Pageant and Scholarship Program, contact Pageant Director, Natalie Anusiewicz, at thedogwoodtrail@gmail.com and follow the program on Facebook (Dogwood Trail Court) and Instagram (@dogwoodtrail).