Young Women from around Mississippi took center stage at the Temple Theatre around 7:30 PM for the first night of competition for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Mississippi.

The contestants are set to perform in talent, fitness, and self expression during the next two days of prelims, and there is also an interview for each of the participants.

No preliminaries winners will be named Thursday night.

DYW 2012 continues through Saturday at the Temple Theatre, and tickets are still available.