By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

NORCO – With a large contingent of pageant queens from across the state looking on, the St. Charles Parish Festival Pageant crowned its 2012 Miss and Teen Queens Sunday evening in Victoria Pellerin and Ashlyn Hymel, respectively.

Pellerin, 20, is the daughter of Spellman and Donna Pellerin of Montz. She is a junior at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, where she is pursuing a nursing degree.

Hymel, 15, is the daughter of John and Shellie Hymel of Montz. She is a sophomore at Destrehan High School and said she plans to attend college to become a veterinarian.

The 54th annual pageant, which was held at Sacred Heart School in Norco, featured three Miss and three Teen contestants, each of whom incorporated the pageant’s “Fun in the Sun” theme as they worked to catch the eyes of the judges. Lifeguards, beach

beauties and backyard barbecuing were costume themes during the opening dance number.

When it came down to that crowning moment, however, the constant smiles transitioned to tears of joy as both Pellerin and Hymel were rendered speechless.

“It is honestly a dream come true for me,” Pellerin said. “I have always wanted to represent St. Charles Parish as Festival Queen. Growing up around here, I always looked up to the girls who wore the crown. I think it shows that we take pride in where we live.”

Hymel said her sister, Chelsea Hymel, was a former queen and encouraged her to follow in her footsteps.

“I was always her escort when she entered,” Hymel said. “This experience has been so amazing and

so surprising to hear my name called as queen.”

The evening marked the end of the line for 2011 Miss St. Charles Festival Queen Brandie Clement and 2011 Teen Queen Kristen Latour. Both Clement and Latour took a moment to remember the year that was and thank those that helped them during their reigns. A slideshow and two tearful goodbye speeches led up to the presentation of the 2012 winners.  

The Miss and Teen Queens were crowned based on the scoring of a panel of community member judges. Participants earned points for on-stage performance during the evening’s activities, which included an on-stage question for each Miss contestant. Additional specialty honors were also given for skills displayed throughout the night.

In addition to her Miss crown, Pellerin also earned a fashion and a photogenic award. Miss contestant Taylor Rebowe took home “Sweetest contestant,” and Teen contestant Abby Rochelle earned the “People’s Choice.”

Pellerin now moves on to compete in the 71st Louisiana State Sugar Queen Festival in New Iberia this September.