The Eastern Shore is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Dogwood Trail Pageant and Scholarship Program gears up for its 65th-annual event.

This beloved tradition, which has been shaping the futures of young women in the area since 1961, is now open for new participants.

"We want each young woman who signs up to know that we are dedicated to enhancing her future," Program Director JoAnn Broadus said in a news release. "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 participant will learn something valuable."

The Dogwood Trail Program, sponsored by the Eastern Shore Optimist Club (ESOC), is renowned for its commitment to developing the interpersonal skills of its participants. The program offers valuable opportunities for public speaking, interview training and lessons in poise and composure. Participants are held to high standards of discipline as they prepare for the pageant, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Fairhope Civic Center.

Orientation sessions will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Both sessions will take place at the Prodisee Pantry at 9315 Spanish Fort Blvd. in Spanish Fort. According to the release, attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory for all applicants and requires the presence of a parent or guardian.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be female;
• Currently be a sophomore or junior residing full-time on the Eastern Shore or attending school in the area (Spanish Fort, Blakeley, Malbis, Daphne, Montrose, Fairhope, Belforest or Point Clear); and
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.

Participant applications will only be distributed during these official orientation sessions and must be submitted by Sept. 22 between 4 and 6 p.m. at the Prodisee Pantry. Complete application instructions will be provided at the orientations, with time allotted for applicants and their parents to ask questions about the pageant or the program.

Proceeds from the 65th-annual Dogwood Trail Pageant will support Eastern Shore Optimist Club youth scholarships, Dogwood Trail Court expenses and various charitable organizations throughout Baldwin County.

For more information, interested parties can reach out to Managing Director Angela Cocke at thedogwoodtrail@gmail.com, and follow the Dogwood Trail Court on Facebook and Instagram (@dogwoodtrail).