Taylor Gary crowned Miss LSUE

Taylor Lela Gary, a sophomore at LSU Eunice, was crowned Miss LSUE Saturday afternoon during a pageant sponsored by LSUE Student Government Association.
Gary of Lake Charles, a sophomore Respiratory Care major, is a member of Phi Kappa Theta sorority on campus. Gary also captured the Miss Congeniality award among seven other contestants.
Pageant contestants vying for the title and crown of Miss LSUE included: Amber Michelle Richard of Highland, Texas, a freshman Speech & Hearing major; Savannah Kathleen Watts of Ville Platte, a freshman Nursing major; Whitney Kaitlyn Williams of Mamou, a sophomore elementary education major; Angel Nicole Yeager of Ville Platte, a freshman business major; Taylor Dawn Fontenot of Eunice, a sophomore management major; Lauryn Brooke Patton of Oakdale, a freshman elementary education major; and Yadira “Ruby” Luna of Basile, a freshman Nursing major.
During the event contestants were recognized with special presentations. Angel Yeager won the Academic Achievement Excellence Award; Ruby Luna won the Leadership award; and Taylor Gary captured Miss Congeniality.
The contestants competed with a prior interview with judges, evening gown wear, and an impromptu question and answer on stage.
Judges for the contest included Venetia Pelafigue of Leonville, Patton Griffith, and Jacqueline Shilo-Gradnigo of Opelousas.
The audience was entertained by performances by Deondre’ Goodley, and Margaret Vidrine and Macey Comeaux from Michelle’s School of Dance.
The former Miss LSUE Charisse Denton gave her “farewell” and made her “thank you” for having the privilege and honor of serving as Miss LSUE.
First runner-up was Lauryn Patton, second runner-up was Whitney Williams and third runner-up was Ruby Luna.