The Marengo County Distinguished Young Women scholarship program is looking for a coordinator in order for the program to continue this year.

Former MCDYW Chairman Katie Windham said she has been trying to take a lesser role in the program to spend more time with her family.

“When I moved back here in 2005, I started helping the program, and I have been the chairman since 2007,” she said. “Last year I stepped back with my newborn and was able to help here and there, but now we need somebody to step up and take on coordinating it.”

Windham said there are a number of people that are willing to help with the program.

“If anyone takes over to lead, they’ll be working with people with experience doing all different aspects of the program,” she said. “The main commitment for it is time. There are six to seven weeks after orientation until the program.”

She added that if the program is going to happen this year, it will have to start coming together in the next couple weeks.

“With the timing of the program, Oct. 12 is the very last date we could have it,” she said. “To have six weeks of practice, the end of August would be the latest orientation could be held. This program has been in Marengo County for so long, and I would really hate to see it dissolve. It has a personal meaning to me because I was in it, and I’m still happy to help, I just can’t lead it anymore.”

The program doesn’t have to be taken over by an individual, according to Windham. She said an organization could take over to run it, or there could be co-chairmen.

“It’s a very good program for a good cause,” Windham added. “There are so many people that want to help. We just need somebody to spearhead it.”

Anyone who is interested in leading the program can contact Windham at (334) 341-2638.