Crowning moment: Vivian Barousse, Cameron Stelly named junior royalty Friday

The International Rice Festival has new junior royalty that reigned over the 2014 Children’s Parade and will continue to do so throughout the year.

Shelly Godeaux and Antoinette Pete served as emcees for the event and joyfully greeted the eager family and friends on hand 

Friday morning, as the sun rose higher in the sky and temperatures continued to climb, Redemptorist Catholic School’s Cameron Stelly and Vivian Barousse were chosen as the junior queen and junior king, respectively. In charge of crowning duties were Acadia Parish School Superintendent John E. Bourque and his wife.

Barousse, 6, is the daughter of Robby and Mandy Barousse of Crowley. Stelly, also 6, is the son of Kelly Stelly of Crwoley and the late Corey Stelly.

The task was not an easy one for the judges Friday morning. The group of six, three for the princes and three for the princesses, first whittled the group down to nine contestants on each side before choosing the junior royalty and runners-up.

Along with the junior royalty, a court for the duo were named. Chosen as first runners-up were Addison Cormier and Connor Frugé. Cormier, 7, is the daughter of Dana Schexnayder and Clay Cormier. She represented Estherwood Elementary. Frugé, 7, is the son of Todd and Jennifer Frugé and presented St. Francis School.

Named second runners-up were Amelia Grace Prevost, 7, and Joseph Doré, also 7. Prevost represented St. Michael School. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Sarah Prevost. Doré is the son of Jake and Gretchen Doré. He represented Mermentau Elementary.

The court of six was narrowed down for the field of 36 – 18 boys and 18 girls – that were chosen to represent their schools earlier this year.

Other junior queen candidates this year were Whitney Kibodeaux, Chelsey Simon, Aubrey Neyra, Reaghan Gartman, A’mani Domino, Jade Evans, Kensley Ringuet, Anna Ware, Kylinn Dupuis, Odyssey Bailey, Eva Meyer, Madison Manuel, Julianna Dupont, Alaya Romero and Abegail Street.

Other junior king candidates in this year’s contest were Eric LaVergne, Ethan Beard, Brevan Bellard, Maxwell “Max” Herbert, Korey Malone, Christian Godeaux, Jayden Griffin, Haiden Hearod, Kolton Duhon, Aiden Leonards, Parker Menard, Seth Miller, Elijah Rector, Bryce Darbonne and Ryan Scott.