By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – Amy Waguespack was crowned the 60th Miss St. James Parish at a pageant held Saturday evening in Lutcher.

“It feels like I am on cloud nine,” said Waguespack, who competed in the pageant for her fifth time this year.

Waguespack, who has held the title of St. James Farm Bureau queen previously, said this particular pageant has always held a special place in her heart.

“I grew up in the sugar industry,” said Waguespack, who was drawn to compete for the crown as much by the chance to become an advocate for the parish as for the prestige.

Waguespack said she is looking forward to representing the parish at events throughout the year, but there is one event that she is looking forward to more than any other.

“I’m really looking forward to competing in the state Sugar Queen Pageant,” she said.

When she does, she will feel just a little more pressure than past queens. For the last two years, Miss St. James Parish has gone on to be crowned state Sugar Queen. Jade LeBlanc took the title in 2009 while Hailey Keller received her crown in 2010.

“Of course, I’d love to bring home that third crown,” said Waguespack.

Still, the results from Saturday’s pageant are enough to keep her happy for the time being.

“Honestly, this is all I’ve ever wanted,” she said.

Also crowned Saturday was the newest St. James Parish teen queen. Kaitlin Beier was chosen as Mallory Duhe’s successor at the pageant, which featured the theme “Simply Magical.”

Said organizer Renee Buchanon, “”I think this years’ pageant, thanks to our dedicated committee,  was a huge success.  The judges had a tough choice to make with this years contestants, but I very excited to work with Kaitlin Beier and Amy Waguespack as they travel throughout the state representing St. James Parish. I think they can make St. James Parish proud.” 

A full list of the evening’s winners follows:

In the Teen Division

• Top ad sales – Brandi Sieber

• People’s Choice – Paige Bourgeois

• Photogenic – Brandi Louviere

• Congeniality – Brandi Louviere

• Fashion – Kaitlin Beier

• Second Maid – Bethany Oubre

• First Maid – Paige Bourgeois

• Queen – Kaitlin Beier

In the Miss Division

• Top ad sales – Gabrielle East

• People’s Choice – Gabrielle East

• Photogenic – Amy Waguespack

• Congeniality – Amy Waguespack

• Fashion – Mary-Lynn Detillier

• Third maid – Brittany Jenkins

• Second Maid – Gabrielle East

• First Maid – Mary-Lynn Detillier

• Queen – Amy Waguespack