Krista Toussant of Zachary is the daughter of Lenward and Regina Toussant and recently earned the prestigious title of the 2012 National American Miss Louisiana in the stage pageant held June 3.

She will be attending the national pageant in Anaheim, Calif., at Disneyland during Thanksgiving week and representing the state of Louisiana.

Toussant will have an opportunity to win her share of over $500,000 in cash and prizes.

The National American Miss pageants are dedicated to celebrating America's greatness and encouraging future leaders.

Each year, the pageant awards $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and prizes and recognizes and assists the development of young women nationwide.

Each girl who qualifies for the national pageant has the chance to win a new 2012 Ford Mustang Convertible.

The National American Miss pageants are for "today's girl" and "tomorrow's leaders," pageant representatives have stated.

The pageant program is based on inner beauty, as well as poise, presentation and offers an all-American spirit of fun for family and friends.

Toussant is currently attending the University of Lafayette where she is studying marketing and fashion merchandising.

Toussant's sponsors were her parents, Regina and Lenward of Zachary, and her maternal grandmother, Barbara Rollins, of Winnsboro, La.