It’s always a cause for celebration in every young woman’s life to be recognized as a pageant winner.

To be crowned a pageant winner in any age group helps build confidence throughout their life. It seems the sky is the limit after winning a pageant for young women.

Without a doubt, Grace Anne Fornea makes for a beautiful Paper Queen. She was crowned the 75th Paper Queen on July 3 at the American Legion Hall. Her poise and grace was readily apparent to all the judges.

Fornea didn’t have time to sit back on her laurels as she rode in Bogalusa’s Fourth of July Parade the next day.

For all her troubles, Fornea received $1,500 in scholarship money.

She was not the only contestant earning scholarship money. American Legion Sweetheart Alexandria Amacker received $1,000 in scholarship money.

Miss Dixie Sarah Mizell earned a $1,200 scholarship.

Members of the Honor Court who received $500 scholarships included Abbey Field and Madysan Seal. The young ladies earned the scholarship money to use at the college or university of their choice.

Before Fornea was crowned, past Paper Queens were recognized, including 2014 Paper Queen Kaedea Primes.

“Serving this past year as Paper Queen has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life,” Primes said. “I’ve met so many wonderful people. It has been a life-changing experience for me.”

That is what the pageant is all about. Congratulations to all the young ladies who participated.