The 2013 Distinguished Young Woman of Tennessee is Chattanooga’s Katherine “Katie” Ward, officially listed as contestant No. 13.

Ward is a student at Notre Dame High School who enjoys dancing, singing, and acting. Her talent was a vocal presentation of the show tune “Astonishing” from Little Women. Ward’s career goals include political science, communications, and theatre studies. Ward has participated in more than 25 shows at Community Theatre and is a member of the Irish Charm’s dance team.

Ward will receive a medallion to symbolize her achievement as well as scholarship money.

First runner-up is Cleveland’s Ashley Heald, contestant No. 11. Heald is a home-schooled student who enjoys playing the piano, writing novels, and instructing dance. Heald’s talent is classical ballet and she performed “Habanera” by The Opera.

Second runner-up is Cocke County’s Kristen Clark, contestant No. 19. Clark’s career goals include being an optometrist and becoming a professional ballerina. Clark’s talent was classical pointe. She performed Gamzatti Variation from “La Bayadere” by choreographer Marius Petipa.

Ward will be competing in the national finals in Mobile, Ala., in June 2013.