Girls Inspiring Excellence Awards
2023 Honorees
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Autumn Miller
AUTUMN MILLER is an exceptional 8th-grade student at Arnaudville Middle School with a 4.0 GPA. She has excelled academically, placing first in school, district, state, and regional Science Fairs in Environmental Engineering. She has also received the Climate Initiative Eco Excellence Award and attended ULL’s Summer Engineering Course. Autumn actively participates in Beta Club, FBLA, school sports, and volunteers in her community. Her confidence and perseverance contribute to her academic success.
Anna-Kate Williams
ANNA-KATE WILLIAMS is a senior who attends Lafayette Christian Academy. She is a leader who has the ability to positively impact youth in her school and church. She is an incredibly gifted student who excels in many different subjects. She is a member of Student Government and National Honor Society. An All-District Soccer player, Anna-Kate is a true leader on the field, serving as an example to her teammates at all times. This year, Anna-Kate was selected by her peers to serve on the Homecoming Court. Her ability to impact others is evident during Sunday worship, where she serves on the Worship Team and works with the kid’s ministry on Sunday mornings.
Madisyn Foster
MADISYN FOSTER has a passion for performing that began at the age of 4. She has performed in 9 plays with the Christian Youth Theater and Wonderland Performing Arts Company, portraying diverse characters with varying emotions. Madisyn is an avid volunteer in her community and demonstrates leadership through her involvement in student council and serving in her church's kid's ministry. She is also an accomplished academic, achieving a 30 Superscore on the ACT and being on the Principal's List and Honor Roll at Lafayette High School.
Hannah Chaisson
HANNAH CHAISSON is a young entrepreneur and a 7th-grade honor roll scholar who plays various sports. She completed the Alpha Kappa Alpha Youth Leadership program and won the Business Pitch Competition in the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy. In 2022, she launched Hannah's Creations, a local business selling motivational and inspirational hand-painted rocks, keychains, and custom-made arts and crafts. Hannah plans to expand her business and will launch her online store soon.
Zhoriel Tapo
ZHORIEL TAPO is a 14 year old freshman at Comeaux High School, who is inspiring girls in her community to dream BIG! She is the first African American female to serve as the Louisiana State Beta Club President and has won various contests and awards, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Community Involvement Award. She is involved in many clubs and organizations, a professional actress, and a public speaker. Zhoriel is passionate about using her voice to make a difference in her community and has volunteered with various organizations. She has also interviewed influential people, including Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Prima Ballerina Misty Copeland.
Makayla Biagas
​MAKAYLA BIAGAS is a senior at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy with a 4.0 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society. She balances academics and sports and is a Lady Bulldog Soccer Offensive MVP and a LHSAA Regional Track qualifier. Makayla is also active in her community through volunteer work with the Spanish Club and serves as Historian for the Health Occupation Students of America organization.
Zyon Lewis
ZYON LEWIS is a senior at JS Clark Leadership Academy and has been a member of the Junior and Senior Beta clubs for 4 years. She is on the Dean's List, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the President of the Class of 2024. She is also the Teen President of the Southwest Louisiana Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and has launched "Boxes of Hope," an initiative that provides essential items and letters of hope to individuals facing adversity locally and abroad. Zyon is a compassionate and dedicated servant leader who inspires and motivates others in her school, community, and regionally.
Kadence Charles
KADENCE CHARLES is an 8th grade gifted student at Paul Breaux Middle School. She has received several awards for academic excellence and has placed on the Honor Roll all year. Kadence is a 2022 LEAP Academic Olympian with a gold rating and has earned a perfect score on the LEAP ELA assessment. She is a member of the Math Team and a 2-time school Spelling Bee Champion. Kadence has received state recognition in the BETA Club Spelling Bee where she placed 2nd and competed in the state BETA Club Math competition where she placed 5th, qualifying her for national competition.
Tabitha Tilley
TABITHA TILLEY is a senior at Acadiana High School. She has a 4.0 GPA, including in advanced placement courses and 3 dual enrollment courses at ULL and LSU. Tabitha scored 31 on the ACT exam and is an accomplished artist. She serves in leadership positions for various clubs and organizations, including founding her school’s chapter of Active Minds, which grew to 100 members in less than a year.
Maya Adams
MAYA ADAMS is a senior at Comeaux High School who is a member of the National Honor Society and a talented pianist and dancer. She was recognized as the Most Improved Dancer of the Year at the FIRE Expressions Performing Arts Conservatory in both 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Maya also serves as a teacher and mentor to younger dancers. She recently trained at the Dance Theater of Harlem Ballet School in New York City and plans to major in dance at a 4-year university.
Halee Aubry
HALEE AUBRY is an 8th grader attending Pearson Online Academy who is passionate about creating a safe space for young people to connect and collaborate. She is a digital designer, writer, and published author. As the Chief Media Officer of the STEAM Club, she loves to use her skills to promote science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Halee is also a filmmaker, and her short film "Literacy" raises awareness of the literacy crisis in America. She launched Jolee Girls Create, a platform that uses motivational films to spread positivity and promote literacy.
Lady Eagles
The ST. MARTINVILLE LADY EAGLES are a group of middle school girls who aim to motivate and encourage their community. They play basketball and have won two consecutive parish championships, valuing teamwork and sisterhood. They also participate in community service events like the annual Trash Bash to improve their city.
Breanna Lee
BREANNA LEE is a junior at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy with a 3.6 GPA. She shows leadership through her sports involvement and volunteering as Head Manager for the boys' basketball and girls' volleyball teams. She also volunteers for youth activities at her church, Bellevue Street Baptist Church, where she serves as a liturgical dancer. Breanna is dedicated, patient, and spiritually engaged, making her an inspiration to others.
Kaylynn Sarver
Kaylynn Sarver is a 13-year-old honor roll student and member of the National Beta Club. She has faced adversity throughout her life but remained active and engaged in extracurricular activities. After being in the foster care system, she was adopted in July 2023 and returned to her old school. Despite her challenges, Kaylynn maintains excellent grades and a positive mindset, and believes in God and the miracles He bestows upon her daily.