St. Charles Catholic High School announced the Royal Court members for Krewe de Charles Bal Masque XXV, Silver Treasures. Together, the members of this year’s court raised more than $52,000. The ball will begin at 7 p.m. tonight, with dancing from 9 p.m. until midnight. Admission is $10.

For the past 25 years, members of the student body have been turned into royalty for this River Parish tradition. Each carnival season the couples raise money for SCC in order to secure their spots on the royal court. Started by the late Jack Snowdy, the ball has grown into one of SCC’s finest traditions.

Four years ago, Megan Louque, SCC senior, and this year’s queen, was doing some summer service hours at SCC. Louque was called to the library where her mother Angie Louque is librarian and was asked by Lacie-Ann Brady if she would like to run with her son Benjamin Brady for king and queen of the Carnival ball in their senior year.

“It was something that I have always wanted to do and immediately said yes,” she said.

That is where it all began. The next four years would be filled with fundraisers and events that garnered the funds needed to secure the highest royal spot on the court.

“Not only did we conduct fundraisers throughout the past four years in order to secure the king and queen position, but it was also our opportunity to give back to the school,” Megan and Ben said.

Representing “Silver” is King Benjamin Joseph Brady, son of Joey and Lacie-Ann Brady. Brady is a member of the swim, football and soccer teams at SCC. He is also an Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America.

“I am looking forward to the experience and am very excited to showcase my costume and crown,” he said. “I appreciate the four years of hard work and dedication my parents have given to me in preparing me for royalty. Their tireless love and devotion of time to the fundraising events and preparations for this night are truly appreciated.”

Representing “Diamond” is Megan Elizabeth Louque, daughter of Nolan and Angie Louque. Louque is a member of the softball team, Library Club, Retreat Team and serves as Vice President of the Spanish Club and as a Eucharistic Minister for SCC.

“I am excited about the night of the ball because the anticipation leading up to the actual ball has been a whirlwind of experiences,” Louque said. “From getting the dress, shoes and crown in addition to all of the extras – parties, invitations and favors – it has really been a lot to mentally realize that I am actually going to reign as queen.”

Louque credits her parents and sister Sara for their help and support throughout this royal process.

“I would like to thank them for the many hours, patience and love they have shown as we took this journey to royalty together,” she said. “I very much appreciate the many things they have given to me. And to Ben’s parents for asking me to be a part of such a wonderful SCC tradition, and their support and time as we worked together to make this a reality.”

Pages to the King and Queen are Kate Elizabeth Brady, daughter of Jerry and Amie Brady; Joseph Michael Haydel, son of Michael and Mary Haydel; and Nicholas Michael Nobile, son of Michael and Nikki Nobile. Royal escorts will be Seth Bourgeios and Michael Millet.

Other members of the court are:

• Representing “Topaz” is Duke Austin Anthony Roussel, son of Mark and Jeannine Roussel, and Maid Brooke Renee Stein, daughter of Gregg and Celeste Stein.

• Representing “Emerald” is Duke Taylor David Peytavin, son of Mark and Tanya Peytavin, and Maid Peyton Elizabeth Millet, daughter of Ricky and Janelle Millet.

• Representing “Aquamarine” is Duke Jesse Michael Coleman, son of Jeffrey, and Yvette Coleman and Maid Olivia Katherine Millet, daughter of David, Jr. and Monette Millet.

• Representing “Ruby” is Duke Brady Edward Hitt, son of Edward and Elizabeth Hitt, and Maid Shelby Lynn Bourgeois, daughter of Seth and Sherry Bourgeois.

• Representing “Sapphire” is Duke Harley Paul Scioneaux, son of Barry and Claire Scioneaux, and Maid Lindsey Elizabeth Keller, daughter of Julian and Donna Keller.

• Representing “Sardonyx” is Duke Zachary Joseph Morrison, son of Kenneth Sr. and Lorie Zylicz, and Maid Shelby Lynn Ortego, daughter of John and Rhonda Ortego.

• Representing “Tourquoise” is Duke Dalton Wesley Hale, son of Dawn and Billy Butler, and Maid Taylor Kay Arceneaux, daughter of Lora and Matt Levatino and the late Todd Arceneaux.

• Representing “Amethyst” is Duke Ryan Earl St. Pierre, son of Kenneth and Tanya St. Pierre, and Maid Lauren McKay Wilkinson, daughter of Emilie and Steven Dawson and Randy and Donna DePaula.

Krewe de Charles Bal Masque Royal is the annual Mardi Gras ball held at St. Charles Catholic. Faculty, staff, students, family members and visitors anxiously await the introduction of the reigning Royal Court and the new King and Queen. When the spotlights are turned on, all eyes are focused on the center of the room as the first maid and duke of the court appear.

As they promenade in anticipation of the king’s entrance, maids and dukes of the royal court greet their friends and family. The king greets his subjects and then takes the hand of the queen to ring in carnival officially.

Once the queen and king are introduced, they proceed to their throne, and the royal entertainment, provided by the cheerleaders, drama club, Sparks, Starsteppers and other members of the Comet family, begins. The entertainment keeps the king and queen in a merry mood as the evening winds down. After the final performance there is food in the Comet Commons for those who have attended the ball and a dance in the ballroom for the court and ball goers to participate in.