LAPLACE – East St. John High School celebrated its second annual carnival ball at the St. John Civic Center Saturday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. Reigning over the ball, themed “Jazzing the Night Away,” was King Devell Fluence and Queen Tyleisha Bowser.

King Devell Fluence of Mt. Airy is a senior at ESJHS. He is the son of Reginald and Inga Fluence. Devell intends to attend Southern University to study architecture. His hobbies are playing basketball and going out with his friends. His inspiration is his grandmother who taught him to never give up and always reach for his dreams.

Queen Tyleisha Bowser of LaPlace is a senior at ESJHS. She is the daughter of Richard Bowser and Wanda and Makale Pryor. Tyleisha intends to attend the University of Louisiana in Monroe to study pharmacology. She is the captain of the cheerleaders and a member of the band, the Explorer’s Club, the Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America and Cooperative Office Education. Her hobbies include shopping, talking on the phone and playing the clarinet.

The other court members include Prince and Princess Austin Trosclair and Ericka Garrett. This year’s dukes were Darryl Isom, James Sledge, Randall Joseph, Gary McDonald, James Matthews, Jamal Alexander and Kalen Henderson. The duchesses were Jessica Brown, Joynisha McCray, Albreian Cornish, Elandra Marsalis, Ashley Belvin, DaVonna Dents and Kwadernica Rhea.

The evening began with the entrance of the Original Royal Players Brass Band of New Orleans. The returning Queen, Laura Scioneaux, a current sophomore at ESJHS, began the procession of the court members. After the announcement of the royal court, the court members danced a waltz to Beyonce’s “At Last.” Call out dances were held, gifts were presented, a toast was made and then the court participated in a second line to begin the general dancing.

During her toast to the court, ESJHS Principal Patricia Triche acknowledged the importance of involving students in events like the Carnival ball. Triche said, “I can’t stress enough the importance of getting a good education, but education is not just about teaching our students english, math, science and social studies. It’s also about educating the students in culture and school pride. The court tonight has made me so proud to be East St. John’s principal. Congratulations!”