SPANISH FORT Ala.—Young ladies residing in Baldwin and Mobile counties are invited to apply for the 2011-12 USS Alabama Crewmate Contest.

“Not only does this program provide scholarship money but it gives these young ladies an opportunity to get out in the community and make contacts that may help them in and beyond college,” Karen Conner, director of sales and marketing for Battleship Memorial Park, said of the 43-year-old ambassador program.

Crewmate candidates must currently reside in either county and must be between the ages of 19 and 22 by April 7. Only six Crewmates will be selected.

The Crewmate selected as Miss USS Alabama will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Miss USS Drum receives a $1,500 scholarship, and the remaining four Crewmates each receive a $1,000 scholarship. The funds can be used at the college or university of the Crewmate’s choice.

Conner said contestants are judged on poise, appearance, application information, references and interviews with a selection panel.

“This program is important to (the park) because we have six fantastic young women helping us spread the good news about Battleship Memorial Park,” she said. “Each year we have approximately 35 young ladies that apply, and our judges have a really tough time choosing six.  These young ladies have outgoing personalities, are very poised and really love being involved in the community.”

Applications can be picked up from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the park’s ticket office.

The Battleship Commission provides all required uniforms and accessories at no cost to the Crewmates. In addition, the commission pays for all travel expenses for out-of-town engagements, and park officials chaperone all Crewmate functions.

Since its creation in 1967, the USS Alabama Crewmate program more than 200 young ladies from across the area have received scholarship assistance, logging thousands of community service hours across the state.

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