A remarkable mix of honor students, debate champions, singers, dancers, cheerleaders, thespians, athletes, musicians and writers to compete for this coveted title and $300,000 in scholarship assistance

Deon Sumer, 17, of Zachary, will be among 53 of the country's most talented, bright and beautiful young women, ages 13 to 17, in Orlando, Fla., to compete in the Miss America's Outstanding Teen (MAOTeen) competition, the “little sister” to Miss America.

The competition will take place Aug. 14-18 at the Linda Chapin Theater inside the Orange County Convention Center.

Promoting scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement for America's teens, the MAOTeen contestants will be judged on personal interview, talent, evening wear, lifestyle and fitness in active wear and on-stage question.

Sumer, a senior at Zachary High School, has been enrolled in honors and advanced placement courses since ninth-grade. She plans to obtain a degree in journalism and pursue a career in mass communications.

Sumer is a Zachary High School featured twirler and will be performing a baton twirling routine for the talent portion of the MAOTeen competition.

She was also crowned Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen in June and is 

the Vice-President of the Louisiana State Beta Club and Zachary High Beta Club President. 

The contestants will be in Orlando from Saturday, Aug. 11, thru Saturday, Aug. 18, for rehearsals and activities surrounding the pageant. They will visit Planet Hollywood on Aug. 12 and Medieval Times on Aug. 13.

They will also participate in events such as the star-studded Evening of Stars Extravaganza, which will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel, and will have several opportunities to train with professionals in the pageant and entertainment fields.

Information about the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition can be found at www.maoteen.org/.