Monroe High Schooler wins competition - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - Sarah Gandy of Monroe has been named the Distinguished Young Woman of Louisiana and awarded $2,000 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center in Alexandria.

Gandy was one of 9 high school senior girls from Louisiana who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Louisiana for 2013. Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics, Interview, Fitness, Self-Expression and Talent.

As this year's winner, Gandy will represent the state throughout the coming year at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program's national outreach message of "Be Your Best Self." The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

Gandy is the daughter of Arlene and Butch Gandy and is a senior at Sterlington High School.

The 56th National Finals will take place on June 27, 28, and 29, 2013, in Mobile, Ala. Gandy will travel to Mobile, Ala. along with 49 other state representatives to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2013 and for additional cash scholarships. North Carolina's Christina Maxwell, who is attending the University of Michigan, won the 2012 overall award.