DESTREHAN – For two young ladies, it was not an imaginary crown but a beautiful real one that was placed upon their heads on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Destrehan High School in Destrehan. The 53rd annual St. Charles Festival was held to select two new queens for the year. The theme was “Destination…

Imagination – Who is your hero?” Both queens were crown by St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre. A special memorial tribute was paid to Ralph St. Ament, former director emeritus. Walter Becnel and past Teen and Miss St. Charles Parish Festival Queen Erika Beck served as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, respectively.

Brandie Nicole Clement, the 19-year-old daughter of Alan and Lisa Clement of Norco, was crowned Miss St. Charles Festival Queen LIII. She was sponsored by Gregory Miller, attorney at law, Candidate for State Representative District 56. Clement is a sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana University where she is majoring in nursing. Jenna Teresa Mire was selected as first runner up, and Brianna Maria Triche was selected as second runner up and photogenic winner.

Kristen Rene Latour is the new Teen St. Charles Festival Queen XVI. Latour is the 14-year-old daughter of Wayne Latour and Susie Latour of St. Rose and was sponsored by Lisa and Billy Saunders. She is a freshman at Destrehan High School. Latour also received the sweetness award and the fashion award. Alexis Alexandra Lachney was the first runner up and people’s choice winner, and Gabrielle Marie Riecke was the second runner up.

Serving as escorts to the contestants were sweethearts Ana Bourg, Phoebe Bourgoyne, Faith Damare, Adriana Madere, Serena Poche and Bryleigh Sutherland.

The newly crowned Teen and Miss St. Charles Festival Queen LIII received a scholarship, a beautiful piece of crystal, a crown ring courtesy of Roussel’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, numerous gifts, a banner and use of the crown. The Miss queen also will receive sponsorship and a paid weekend at the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival in New Iberia to compete for the title of Louisiana Queen Sugar in September and sponsorship and paid weekend into

the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen of Queens pageant in Baton Rouge in February 2012. The prize packages are valued at over $4,000.

Walter Becnel is chairman of the St. Charles Parish Festival. Doreen Becnel Landry is the director and Celeste Becnel Stein and Kerri Montz Roussel are assistant directors. Executive Committe members are GayNell Becnel, Melissa Perret, Alice St. Ament, Caroline and Cliff Bleakley, Joy Costantini, Ashlyn Falgout and Stacie Falgout. The St. Charles Parish Festival is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Red Church Council No. 3634 East St. Charles Parish and the Norco Manufacturing Complex.