PHOTO 1: Tri-Parish Sugar Queens for 2001 are, from left, Amy Gravois, St. James Parish Sugar Queen; Robin Smith, St. John Parish Sugar Queen; and Candace Denoux, St. Charles Parish Sugar Queen. (Photo by Tommy Williams) RESERVE – St. John Parish has a new Sugar Queen, Robin Marie Smith, the 18-year-old daughter of Allen and Donna Smith of LaPlace. She graduated from East St. John High School in May of 2000. Currently, Smith is a sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana University, studying theatrical arts and music. She hopes to pursue a career in musical theater. She also received the Miss Congeniality Award, along with Jennifer Marie Vance. The first runner-up was Jenny Lee Edwards, daughter of Richard and Kelly Edwards of LaPlace. She is a graduate of Ursuline Academy and is currently studying English literature at Loyola University. The second runner-up was Brandi Michelle Catoire, daughter of Darrell and Deborah Catoire of LaPlace. She is a graduate of St. Charles Catholic High School and is currently studying nursing at Southeastern Louisiana University. The third runner-up was Lindsey Ann Tamplain, daughter of Dawn Cauble nad Perry Tamplain. She is a graduate of Riverside Academy and will attend Nicholls State University in the fall, majoring in mass communications. The fourth runner-up was Candace Marie Clement, daughter of Willie and Anita Clement of Reserve. She attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana at Lafayette and is attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, majoring in speech pathology and audiology. The fashion award went to Amanda Lynn Forsythe, daughter of Wayne and Kellie Forsythe of Garyville. She is currently attending Delgado Community College, majoring in radiologic technology. The Miss Photogenic award went to Amanda Leigh Vinet, daughter of Albert and Jody Vinet of LaPlace. She will be attending Southeastern Louisiana University in the fall, studying dance.
PHOTO 3: Finalist of the St. John Parish Sugar Queen Pageant are, from left, first row: Lindsey Tamplain, fashion; Jenny Edwards, first runner-up; Robin Smith, queen and co-Miss Congeniality; Brandi Catoire, second runner-up; and Candace Clement, fourth runner-up; and second row: Amanda Forsythe, fashion; Amanda Vinet, photogenic; and Jennifer Vance, Miss Congeniality. (Photo by Tommy Williams) The Miss Congeniality award was also presented to Jennifer Marie Vance, daughter of Al and Becky Vance of LaPlace. She is currently a senior at St. Mary’s Dominican High School in New Orleans. The mistress and master of ceremonies was Lori Roussel, the 58th Louisiana Queen Sugar, and Robert Beadle. The pageant theme was “Hi Sugar Presents Television Land.” The pageant was dedicated to Julie Haydel Roussel, the mother of a former queen who lost her battle to cancer in July. Ronnie White, owner of Formal Connection, presented the annual tuxedo show with a Charlie’s Angels theme. White portrayed Charlie and pageant directors Maria Hotard-Stelly and Alison Hotard-Treas were producers and directors of the cast and crew. Amy Leigh Emerson, daughter of Bobby and Stephanie Emerson, gave a farewell speech. The 2001 Sugar Queen, Robin Smith, will be attending the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival on Sept. 21-23. Jenny Edwards will accompany Robin Smith as the Louisiana Sweet of St. John Parish. She will be competing against 17 other parish queens for the title of the 60th Louisiana Queen Sugar.