Alexandria, La. teen named Distinguished Young Woman of Louisiana

Statewide scholarship program awarded $7,500 in cash scholarships to participants

Mobile, Ala. (August 1, 2011) - On July 30, Emily Redmond of Alexandria, La. was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Louisiana and awarded $3,000 in cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held at the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center in Alexandria, La.

Redmond was one of 15 high school senior girls from Louisiana who competed to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Louisiana for 2012. Other award recipients included: Allena Wiggers of Winnsboro (1st Runner-up); Brittany Partain of Alexandria (2nd Runner-up); Bonnie Keaton of Bogalusa (3rd Runner-up); and Madeline Britt of Winnsboro (4th Runner-up). Participants were evaluated in the categories of Scholastics (20%), Interview (25%), Fitness (15%), Self-Expression (15%) and Talent (25%).

Throughout the next year, Redmond will represent Louisiana 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.”

Redmond is the daughter of Michael and Vicki Redmond and will be a senior at Alexandria Senior High School this fall. Redmond’s achievements include: Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference; Rotary Youth Leadership Award; Top Ten Junior; Trojan Top 5 [top 5 percent of class]; Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Class Treasurer; Louisiana Girls' State; Top English Student of the Year; National Honor Society Member; 2 year Literary Rally Participant; Advanced in English, Math, and Science GEE. In addition, Redmond’s activities include: Dance line; National Honor Society President; Spanish Club; Youth Praise Band Member; School concert choir Vice President; Choreographer and member of Drama club; Scroll, school newspaper; Member of competitive dance team; Tennis team; Instructor for "All Star" performing arts camp.

The 55th National Finals will take place on June 28, 29, and 30, 2012, in Mobile, Alabama. Redmond will travel to Mobile, Alabama 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 2012 and for a share of more than $130,000 in cash scholarships. Tennessee’s Katye Brock, who will attend the University of Tennessee-Knoxville this fall, won the 2011 overall award.

For more information on Distinguished Young Women of Louisiana, please contact Ronnie Beard at 318-792-9581 Louisiana@DistinguishedYW.org.

About Distinguished Young Women
Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Alabama, Distinguished Young Women, is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. During its 54 years of operation, the program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women. Last year Distinguished Young Women provided more than $108 million in cash and college scholarship opportunities to program participants at the local, state and national levels. Previously known as America’s Junior Miss, the program announced its new name in June 2010.

The mission of Distinguished Young Women is to positively impact the lives of young women by providing a transformative experience that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent. National sponsors include the City of Mobile, Mobile County, Eastern Shore Toyota, Encore Rehabilitation, Mobile Gas: A Sempra Company, Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Bank and Master Boat Builders.

For more information about Distinguished Young Women, contact Stephanie Bradford, National Headquarters Communications Director (251-622-5335, Stephanie@DistinguishedYW.org) or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org.

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