Camille Quebodeaux crowned new Rice Queen

The weather could not have been more beautiful Saturday morning when seven young women took the stage for the 79th International Rice Festival Queen pageant.
Selected to represent the Rice Capital and promote “Rice . . . The American Grain” throughout the coming year was Camille Elise Quebodeaux, the daughter of Racquel and Kevin Quebodeaux, who was representing the Creole Farmers Market/Ms. St. Martin.
Quebodeaux is a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where her favorite subject is philosophy. She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing before pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sales. Her hobbies include making others smile, spending time with family and friends and spending summer afternoons boat riding.
Selected as first runner-up Julian Rene Devillier, who is the daughter of Sonia and Sean Devillier and who was representing the city of Crowley.
Morgan Tyler, daughter of Maria Gatch, was named second runner-up. She was representing the St. James Parish Kadam Williamson Scholarship Organization.
Jennifer Ulloa, who was representing the Arkansas Rice Festival and is the daughter of Dalila and Daniel Ulloa, was chosen as Miss Congeniality.
Serving as emcees for this event were Crowley Mayor Greg Jones and Deborah Nutt Whiting.
During breaks in the pageant and as the judges deliberated, the International Rice Festival Dance Troupe, known as the “Ricettes,” provided entertainment for the pageant-goers.
Before the new queen was crowned, 78th International Rice Festival Queen Allison Hoffpauir addressed the crowd, thanking all who helped over the year, including her family, her friends and the International Rice Festival staff.
As the 79th International Rice Festival Queen, Quebodeaux was presented with $3,500 in scholarships and will represent the International Rice Festival at the Washington, D.C., Mardi Gras Ball and at the Rice Millers Association Annual Convention being held in Colorado City, Colorado, in June.
She will also travel the state of Louisiana attending fairs & festivals promoting the festival and industry.
Also participating as contestants in the pageant were Ashley Thibodeaux, Chelsea Vidrine, Bailee Ray Villejoin.