Who will be the next queen?

The candidates vying for the title of 79th International Rice Festival Queen have been announced, and the young women are set to take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 17, after the introduction of visiting queens at 9:45 a.m.
The pageant will be held at the Cajun Country Rice Sound Stage located on the courthouse grounds.
According to Janet Hebert, Rice Festival Queen’s/Contestants Committee chairman, contestants will be judged on interviews and stage presentation.
The seven young women competing in this year’s pageant are:
• Julian Rene Devillier, daughter of Sonia and Sean Devillier, is representing the city of Crowley, sponsored by the Crowley Professional Women’s Club.
She is a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where her favorite subjects are math and behavioral science. Her future plans are to graduate with honors in business management and open a performing arts school that involves dance, drama and music.
Julian’s hobbies include dancing, reading, choreographing, singing, playing piano, decorating, anything family-oriented, and everything Disney.
• Camille Elise Quebodeaux, daughter of Racquel and Kevin Quebodeaux, is representing the Creole Farmers Market/Ms. St. Martin.
She is a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and her favorite subject is philosophy. Her future plans are to earn her bachelor’s degree in marketing and pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales.
Camille’s hobbies include making others smile, spending precious time with family and friends and spending summer afternoons boat riding.
• Ashley Thibodeaux, daughter of Julie and Darrin Thibodeaux, is representing the city of Rayne.
She is a student at South Louisiana Community College and her favorite subject is math. Her future plans are to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and obtain a degree in nursing.
Ashley’s hobbies include fishing, swimming and playing softball and volleyball.
• Morgan Tyler, daughter of Maria Gatch, is representing the St. James Parish Kadam Williamson Scholarship Organization.
She is a student at Lutcher High School, where her favorite subjects are biology and trigonometry. Her future plans are to attend Nicholls State University majoring in nursing.
Morgan’s hobbies include baking, shopping, exploring Pinterest, eating, volunteering for charitable organizations and spending time with my family.
• Jennifer Ulloa, daughter of Dalila and Daniel Ulloa, is representing the Arkansas Rice Festival.
She is currently attending Arkansas State University, where her favorite subjects are English, history, art and science. Her future plans are to attend law school.
Jennifer’s hobbies include spending time with family, reading, dancing and taking photographs.
• Chelsea Vidrine, daughter of Evelyn and Charles Vidrine, is representing the St. Landry Parish Farm Bureau.
She is a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where her favorite subjects are English, math and history. Her future plans are to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and to open her own wedding reception and banquet hall.
Chelsea’s hobbies include choreographing cheer and dance routines, shopping with her mom and attending sporting events in her spare time.
• Bailee Rae Villejoin, daughter of Kimberly and Shawn Villejoin, is representing the Crowley Lions Club.
She is a student at Louisiana State University - Eunice and her favorite subject is public speaking. Her future plans are to obtain her teaching degree and begin teaching and coaching her own softball team.
Bailee’s hobbies include spending time with family and friends, working out, watching her godchild learn new things and playing co-ed softball.
The 79th International Rice Festival Queen will be presented with $3,500 in cash scholarships and will represent the International Rice Festival at the Washington, D.C., Mardi Gras Ball and the Rice Millers Association Annual Convention being held in Colorado City, Colorado, in June.
The queen will also travel the state of Louisiana attending fairs and festivals promoting the Rice Festival and industry.