By RAYMOND ADEEKO

Staff Writer

Two students from Thibodaux recently won awards from an interior design and fashion design competition held in Metairie, sponsored by Fashion Group International of New Orleans.

Sarah Masterson, a senior interior design major, received a certificate of award in the architecture/interior product design and in interior design.

She also won a $200 scholarship as the overall winner.

Erin Blank, a senior merchandising major, took home the award in the apparel design category.

Blank said the competition was a good experience that allowed her to measure the standard of her work.

"It felt good [since] it was the first time I have had my clothes judged," Blank said. "It felt good to get feedback."

Masterson agreed with Blank and said the response received on their works affects them positively.

"It's nice to have feedback on your work, it encourages you to do well," Masterson said.

Lauri Myers, an instructor of human ecology, accompanied the students to the competition. She said she was proud of the student's accomplishments.

Myers particularly commended Blank's effort praising her skills and dedication to the work of fashion design.

"Specifically we've seen some of [Blank's] demonstration in various class activities, and she has a talent for design," Myers said. "I know her talent goes way back. She just has a natural knack for it."

Blank said the awards inspire her to continue with her designing, knowing the sky is the limit.

"It gives me encouragement to continue to do what I want to do," Blank said.

Blank and Masterson participated in a full day of activities that included speakers from interior design and architecture firms as well as from mall and boutique merchants.

The day was concluded with a fashion show and announcements of the competition winners.

Both students will graduate in May, and Blank is currently interviewing for buyer-training programs while also considering attending a formal design school.

Masterson, on the other hand, is interested in historic preservation and is talking to a New Orleans architecture firm. She is also considering attending graduate school.

Myers said she is excited about Blank's future because of the talent and ideas that she exudes. She praised her ability to work from scratch to the end product.

"[Blank] creates almost everything she wears, and she constructs them from scratch," Myers said. "I know she has a bright future with the talent she showed at the competition. She has a lot of possibilities after graduation."

Myers said Blank's works will be exhibited at the department's annual fashion design show.