By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

NORCO – The St. Charles Parish Pageant Festival Committee crowned Taylor Rebowe, 22, and Faith Ryan, 15, the Miss and Teen Queens of the 2013 St. Charles Parish Pageant, respectively.
Taylor Rebowe is the daughter of Rusty and Darla Rebowe of Norco. Rebowe is a graduate of the Aveda Institute. She is currently employed as a cosmetologist at a local salon and plans to master her techniques to become a renowned stylist. She continues her education by attending classes with the Paul Mitchell School. She also enjoys dancing and teaching dance at local dance studios. Last year, Rebowe won first runner up and Prettiest Hair in the River Parishes Fall Festival. The young pageant queen also won the People’s Choice and Fashion Awards.
Other winners in the Miss Division were: Jenna Mire, first runner up; and Mandy Dallimore, second runner up.
Faith Ryan is the daughter of Alan and Janel Ryan Jr. of St. Rose. Ryan is currently a sophomore at Destrehan High school. She plans to graduate from high school with an honors diploma and attend Louisiana State University to pursue a career in pediatric physical therapy. Ryan said three words that describe her are endearing, focused and encouraging. Ryan also picked up the Photogenic Award.
Other winners in the Teen Division were: Emily Hymel, first runner up and the Sweetness Award.
Both Rebowe and Ryan said it felt “amazing” to win.
“Shocking! I did not expect it, but I’m really glad,” said Ryan.
“It’s really like a dream come true. I worked so hard for this, and I honestly can’t believe that I’m the queen right now,” gushed Rebowe, who said she had extensive training on pageant interviewing and walking.
“I feel so much more accomplished. I feel like I can go out and rock any interview now because I have the confidence,” she continued.
As the reigning 2013 Miss and Teen Queen of Hearts, Rebowe and Ryan will travel across Louisiana visiting various fairs and festivals and spreading the word about the Parish of Plenty. Rebowe will also represent St. Charles Parish at the 2013 Sugar Cane Festival in New iberia in September, where she will compete for the state crown.
The mistresses of ceremonies for the pageant were Brandie Clement, 2011-2012 Miss St. Charles Parish Queen; Kristen Latour, 2011-2012 Teen St. Charles Parish Queen; and Erica Beck, 2009-2010 Miss St. Charles Parish Queen and 2013 Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen of Queens. Doreen Becnel-Landry served as the pageant director.