Grande Court Ball celebrates "A Night At The Oscars"

“A Night at the Oscars” was the theme of the 4th Annual Rayne Chamber of Commerce Grande Court Mardi Gras Ball held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2014, at the Rayne Civic Center where “stars” were honored throughout the evening. Guests were welcomed by ball overall chairman Jessica Houston.
As announced by the evening’s emcee, Ellen Degeneres, portrayed by Fran Bihm (Rayne Chamber of Commerce Executive Director), past royalty were introduced, including Grand Court King I Jimmy Prevost, Grand Court Queen II Jena Bordes, Grand Court III King and Queen Pat Bordes II and Monica Bihm.
Joining the paparazzi captain and co-captian, Connor Andrew Walker and Chloe Lynn Guilbeau, as they pictured their way down the red carpet were students from Project Dance, Blair Thibodeaux, Remi Winchester, Victoria Richard and Lacey Castille, under the direction of Nikki Link. Conner is the son of Craig and Clare Walker, and Chloe is the daughter of Jacob and Amanda Guilbeau.
Presiding over the presentations were this year’s king and queen, Grand Court King IV John Jude Beslin and Grand Court Queen IV Claire Cramer Benoit.
John Jude and his wife Cynthia are the parents of two daughters, Caroline and Mary Frances. He is the son of Judge Denald and Claire Beslin. He is a graduate of Notre Dame High School and USL, and is employed by Offshore Energy.
Claire and her husband Tommy are the parents of three boys, Zachary and his wife Adrienne, Stephen and Nicholas. She is the daughter of Lawrence and Mary Cramer of Roberts Cove. She is a licensed certified public accountant, has been with the Rayne Building and Loan Association since 1990, serving as controller and chief financial officer, and was named president and CEO of the association in 2007. A graduate of Notre Dame High School, she earned her accounting degree at USL and her certification as a public accountant in 1989 while employed with Broussard, Poche, Lewis and Breaux.
Joining in the celebration were members of the royal court, each arriving on the red carpet for the big night including:
America’s Little Darling “Shirley Temple, portrayed by Avery Elizabeth Futch, five-year-old daughter of Corey and Maggie Futch of Duson and kindergarten student at Rayne Catholic Elementary.
America’s King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley and Hollywood sex symbol and actress Marilyn Monroe were portrayed by Adrian Alba and Nicole V. Richard. Adrian Thomas Alba III resides in Rayne with his wife, Fifi, and one child. A graduate of Louisiana Teche, he presently serves as director of the Rayne High School and Armstrong Middle School Bands. Nicole is married to Mark Richard and they reside in Mire with their three children. She is a cosmetology graduate and is the owner/operator of Nicole’s Salon.
Gone With The Wind’s Scarlet O-Hara and Rhett Butler were portrayed by Dawn Rae Gerbine and Clint Morgan. Dawn is a graduate of Comeaux High School and is a co-owner/employee if C.J. Prevost Insurance Agency and Rayne Realty. Clint is the father of one daughter, Jacy, and he is employed as an electrical engineer with LUS and also owns his own business, Morgan Excavation. The couple is also engaged to be married.
From the “Hunger Games” were Peeta Mellard and Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by Lucus Simon and Cailey Morgan. Lucus is the son of Bert and Sonya Simon and they reside in Branch. Cailey is the daughter of Brad and Julie Lopez and they also reside in Branch. She represented the city as the 2013-2014 Rayne Lions Club Frog Jockey Queen. Both are students at Rayne High School.
From the golden era of movies are Cleopatra, Mark Antony and Alexander, portrayed by JoAnn Meche, Mitchell Gilbert and Max Veillon. JoAnn and her husband Russell reside in Rayne and are the parents of four children. She is the owner/operator of Rice Silk for the past 30 years. The son of Ednez B. Gilbert, MItchell was raised in Rayne and now resides in Houston. He is the father of two sons and is employed by Marlin Construction. A grandson of “Cleopatra,” Max is the son of Mark and Michelle Veillon of Rayne and a fifth grade student at Rayne Catholic Elementary.
From the film “A League of Their Own” were Kennedy Smith, Marcella and Melise Gossen ready to “play ball.” Kennedy is the daughter of Jason and Mica Smith of Rayne. Marcella and Melise are the twin daughters of Randy and Elizabeth Gossen of Rayne. All three young ladies are students at Notre Dame High School where they are very involved in extracurricular activities and sports.
Of the legendary movie, “The Godfather” was Ray Lantier. The father of three is a Rayne High graduate and is retired from the Rayne Police Department folliwng 27 years of service. He also worked for the United States Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force. He and his wife Kathy reside in Rayne.
Once the court was introduced, the royal greetings and toast was observed. The final salute was given by the captain and co-captains, followed by cocktails and dancing to the music of Krossfye.
The Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball is not sponsored by a Krewe nor a secret society, but formed by a committee providing residents the opportunity to partake in an annual event to benefit the Rayne Chamber of Commerce, as well as high school graduates of 2015 and future graduates of the community. The annual court is nominated by those in attendace of the ball, with guests invited to vote for next year’s honorees.
Thanks are extended to The City of Rayne, Colin Burnam Photography, Grand Court Mardi Gras Ball committee members Aileen Prevost, Sue Leonards, Suzette Leonards, Nikki Link, Maureen Benoit, Golden Frog Festival Royalty Al and Burgundy Olivier, D.J. Blaine and Karen Dupont, Rayne Lions Club and The Rayne Acadian-Tribune.
Special thanks are also extended to the Super and Star Sponsors: C.J. Prevost Insurance Agency, Rayne Building and Loan, Cajun Fitness, Best Western Rayne Inn, Trahan Foods, and Mauren Benoit.