NATCHEZ — Concordia Parish’s Student of the Year said she would soon graduate and plans to go to medical school to pursue her passion for helping others.

Malory Barlow, a senior at Monterey High School, was recently recognized as the Concordia Parish Student of the Year after piecing together a lengthy portfolio with her grades, resume, recommendation letters and a list of scholarships she has received.

One of her main scholarships will provide her with $5,000 a year to attend Louisiana State University in Shreveport, where she plans to go to medical school, Barlow said.

Malory’s mother, Donnah Barlow, has always been the biggest role model in her life, Malory Barlow said, and inspired her to help others by practicing medicine.

“My mom is a nurse practitioner, so I’ve always been around the medical field and it has always interested me,” Malory said. “I like to help other people, too, and I feel like going to med school is a way for me to do that.”

Malory said all but two of the classes she is currently taking at Monterey High School are for college credit.

Malory also is a leader of her school’s Fellowship of Christian Students club and is a member of the National Beta Club, she said.

Malory said her hobbies include singing and dancing and she is in the talented program for Concordia Parish, dances at the Concordia Parish Dance Studio in Ferriday and is also a member Monterey High School’s Elite dance line.

“I’ve danced since I was old enough to walk,” Malory said. “It’s a way for me to express myself without words, and it’s fun.”