Twelve vie for queen’s crown

The 2013 contestants vying for the 77th International Rice Festival Queen’s title have been announced by Janet Hebert, Rice Festival Queen’s/Contestants Committee Chairman.

The queen’s pageant will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Cajun Country Rice Stage located on the courthouse grounds. 

The 12 young ladies included in the pageant are the following:

• Stephanie Becnel, daughter of Catherine Becnel and Mr. and Mrs. Steven Becnel, is representing the Bridge City Gumbo Festival. She is a student at Our Lady of Holy Cross College.

Stephanie’s favorite subjects are philosophy and fine arts. Her future plans are to receive a degree in Liberal Arts with a certificate to teach secondary education. 

Stephanie’s hobbies include having a passion for the arts including painting, graphic design, singing, and theatre.

• Amber Brewer, daughter of Lisa and Marvin Brewer, is representing the Arkansas Rice Festival. She is a student at Middle Tennessee State University.

Amber’s favorite subjects are accounting, personal finance, and business education. Her future plans are to graduate with a Master of Business Education, pass the Praxis and CPA exams, work for a Big 4 Accounting firm, and then teach high school students.

Amber’s hobbies include hiking, camping, canoeing, working out, shopping, modeling, arts/crafts, attending concerts and other performing arts events, and spending time with family.

• Allie Doise, daughter of Cindy and Luke Doise, is representing the Jeff Davis Parish Farm Bureau. She is a student at Elton High School.

Allie’s favorite subjects are math and biology. Her future plans are to attend Louisiana State University in the fall studying oncology.

Allie’s hobbies include showing pigs, tumbling, cheering, reading, traveling, playing softball, exercising, spending time with friends and family, running track, pole vaulting, running hurdles, and public speaking.

• Mallory Duhe’, daughter of Kimberly and Mark Duhe’, is representing the St. James Parish Sugar Queen Pageant. She is a student at the Louisiana State University.

Mallory’s favorite subjects are human anatomy and human physiology. Her future plans are to graduate from LSU with a Kinesiology degree, become a Physician’s Assistant in dermatology, get married, and have a family.

Mallory’s hobbies include competitive dancing and swimming, crafting, shopping, exercising, volunteering for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Relay for Life.

• Dakota Henry, daughter of Renee and Rickey Henry, is representing the Rayne Frog Festival. She is a student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Dakota’s favorite subjects are political science, American literature, and public speaking. Her future plans are to graduate from college, and then join the U.S. Navy and attend Officer Candidate School, and then eventually work in Civil Service dealing with foreign affairs.

Dakota’s hobbies include running and working out, gymnastics, dancing, baking, and watching football.

• Hailey Hensgens, daughter of Joan and Donnie Hensgens, is representing Iberia Parish. She is a student at Louisiana State University.

Hailey’s favorite subjects are political science and anthropology. After completing an internship in Washington, D.C., her ambition is to achieve a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in order to one day run an international humanitarian organization to assist in the fight against human trafficking.

Hailey’s hobbies include sketching, painting, “Do It Yourself” crafts, singing, playing piano, experimental cooking and baking, Yoga, squirrel hunting, skeet shooting, and having weekend barbecues with the family.

• Katelyn LeDoux, daughter of Delilah and David LeDoux, is representing the City of Rayne. She is a student at Rayne High School.

Katelyn’s favorite subjects are math and science. Her future plans are to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Katelyn’s hobbies include cheerleading, softball, fishing, reading, shopping, and volunteering for Miles Perret Cancer Services.

• Olivia LeJeune, daughter of Edith and Donald LeJeune, is representing the City of Crowley, sponsored by the Crowley Professional Women’s Club. She is currently a Legal Assistant at Landry, Landry, and Landry in Crowley.

Olivia’s favorite subjects are science and math. Her future plans are to go back to college and further her education in the legal field.

Olivia’s hobbies include dancing, cooking, photography, being with family and friends, caring for animals, and just living life to the fullest. 

• Melissa Minton, daughter of Betty and Dwight Minton, is representing the Town of Welsh. She is a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Melissa’s favorite subjects are math, communications and marketing. Her future plans are to become a successful independent business owner and/or the lieutenant governor of Louisiana.

Melissa’s hobbies include cooking, gardening, crafting, working out, and playing with my niece and nephews.

• Maggie Mott, daughter of Karen and Richard Mott, is representing the Louisiana Rice Run. She is a student at McNeese State University.

Maggie’s favorite subjects are biology and French. Her future plans are to graduate from college and graduate school with honors, have a successful career as a neurologist or exotic veterinarian, and start a loving family.

Maggie’s hobbies include playing sports, baking, drawing, volunteering for 4-H, cooking, and running.

• Angelle’ Venissat, daughter of Lisa and Eric Venissat, is representing the Town of Gueydan. She is a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Angelle’s favorite subjects are history, communications and political science. Her future plans are to graduate in the fall of 2014, apply for graduate school and internships in the advertising market.

Angelle’s hobbies include being around family and friends, going on adventures, reading, and running.

• Madalyn Walston, daughter of Chelsea and Woody Walston, is representing the North Vermilion 4-H Club. She is a student at North Vermilion High School. 

Madalyn’s favorite subjects are math and biology. Her future plans are to become a radiologist.

Madalyn’s hobbies include running, participating in band and the 4-H and Math Clubs, and hanging out with friends.

Contestants will be judged in interview and stage presentation.

The 77th Rice Festival Queen will be presented with $3,250 in cash scholarships and will represent the International Rice Festival at the Washington, D.C., Mardi Gras Ball and the Rice Millers Association Convention being held this year in Lake Tahoe.