Members and friends of the Krewe of Dionysos met on Jan. 7 at Cane River Brewing to usher in the 2022 Mardi Gras season. Attendees came wearing Mardi Gras attire in keeping with this year’s theme of “Take Me to the Mardi Gras.” Music was provided by the LaCour Trio.
With the cancellation of the 2021 year due to Covid the krewe is excited to prepare for its Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 12 and the annual parade on Saturday, Feb. 26.
Anyone who would like to enter the parade can submit a participation form online at kreweofdionysos.com.
Questions can be emailed to KreweOfDionysos@gmail.com.
Due to the cancellation of last year’s events; the krewe introduced junior court for 2021 and 2022.
Photos by Melissa Stewart
2021 Junior Court
Christian Hennigan Carter: is the son of Jessica Hennigan and Dale Carter. He is the grandson of Captain Jerry McElwee and Queen XX and Duchess of Destiny X, Darlene McElwee. Jerry was our King XI, Duke of Dance X, and Captain for eight years and Darlene serves as a Board Member. Christian is escorted by his grandmother, Darlene McElwee. Christian is a graduate of Natchitoches Central High School and now attends Central Louisiana Technical Community College.
Hannah Elizabeth Cockrell: is the daughter of Jennifer and Brian Cockrell. She is the granddaughter of Charter Member Brenda Poynter Rinehart, Queen XIV, Duchess of Dance IV and XI, and a past Board Member and of Charter Member Mike Poynter, King IV, Duke of Desire II, and Paul Rinehart, King XVIII. She is escorted by her grandfather, Paul Rinehart. Hannah graduated from Byrd High School and now attends The University of New Orleans and plans to be a Clinical Psychologist with a focus on children and families.
Baylee Kathleen Laroux: is the daughter of members Brandi and David McManus. Brandi is Dionysos Event Chair and was Duchess of Desire XV. Baylee graduated from Natchitoches Central High School and now attends Northwestern State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Baylee is escorted by Rick Calvert, King IX and Duke of Destiny VI.
Jacob Miller: is the son of Dionysos Duke of Desire XXII and this year’s Duke and Duchess of Dance, Jeremy and Amanda Miller. Jacob graduated from Natchitoches Central High School and attends Louisiana Tech in Ruston. Jacob was escorted by his mother, Amanda Miller.
Kinley Parish Nugent: is the daughter of Krewe members Lori and William Nugent. Kinley graduated from Natchitoches Central High School. She is now attending Central Louisiana Technical Community College in the nursing program. Kinley was escorted by her father, William Nugent.
Jonah Daniel Stagg: is the son of members Edwin and Rebecca Stagg. Jonah graduated from Catholic High of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is attending Louisiana State University majoring in Engineering. Jonah is escorted by his mother, Rebecca Stagg.
Not Pictured:
Logan Miller: is the son of Dionysos Duke of Desire XXII and this year’s Duke and Duchess of Dance, Jeremy and Amanda Miller. Logan graduated from Natchitoches Central High School.
Mary Grace Long: is the daughter of Charter Members Jimmy and Mary Ingram Long, Jr. She is the granddaughter of Charter Member Ralph and Lucille Ingram. Mary Grace graduated from Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. She is attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe majoring in Biology and Pre Dentistry.
2022 Junior Court
Hunter Broadway: is the grandson of Duke of Decadence, Shelby Borders and the nephew of Duchess of Destiny Brittany Borders. Hunter attends Natchitoches Central High School. After graduation he plans to attend Northwestern State University and will study to become a nurse anesthetist. Hunter was escorted by Duchess of Destiny, his aunt, Brittany Borders.
Gracie Claire Chasteen: is the daughter of member Holly Stroud. Gracie attends St Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana State University and major in International Trade. Gracie was escorted by her mother, Holly Stroud.
Emily Elizabeth Horton: is the daughter of members Leland Gray and Cherry Ingram Horton. Her grandparents are Charter Member Ralph and Lucille Ingram and Charter Members Donald and Pat Horton, Queen XII and Royalty Chair. Emily will graduate from Loyola College Prep and then attend the University of Monroe majoring in Biology. Emily was escorted by her father, Leland Gray Horton.
Anna Kathleen Jackson: is the daughter of Charter Members Dionysos King I, Tandy Eaton Jackson, and founding member Dionysos Captain III and IV, Barbara Jackson. She is the granddaughter of Tandy and Eileen Jackson III. Anna Kate will graduate from St Mary’s and attend Louisiana State University majoring in Mass Communications before attending Law School. Anna was escorted by her father, Tandy Eaton Jackson, IV.
William Ingram Mayeux: is the son of members Chris and Michelle Mayeux. His grandparents are Charter Member Ralph and Lucille Ingram. William attends St Mary’s and will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in Chemistry. William was escorted by his mother, Michelle Ingram Mayeux.
Abigail Nicole Hennigan: is the daughter of Alanna Nelson, Duchess of Destiny XV. She is the granddaughter of Captain Jerry McElwee who has served as Captain 14-17 and Captain 21-24 and Darlene McElwee, Queen XX, Duchess of Destiny X, and serves on the Board. Abbi attends Red River High School and in the fall will attend Bossier Parish Community College pursuing a Physical Therapy Assistant degree. She was escorted by her grandfather, Captain Jerry McElwee who was King XI and Duke of Dance X.
Caylyn Somere (Summer) Peddy: is the daughter of members David and Kirby Peddy. Caylyn attends Natchitoches Central High School and plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in Biology. She was escorted by her father, David Peddy.
Sheridan Colleen Pesnell: is the daughter of members Doug and Angela Pesnell, Duke and Duchess of Destiny XXI. Sheridan will graduate from St Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana State University majoring in Marine Biology. Sheridan was escorted by her father, Doug Pesnell.
Abigail Michelle Ramian: is the daughter of members Chad and Leslie Ramian. Abigail is a senior at St. Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana State University majoring in Business Finance with a focus in financial trading. Abigail was escorted by her father, Chad Ramian.
Madelyn Claire Spillman: is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Yancy Spillman and Misty Dalme. She is the granddaughter of members Billy and Carolyn Benefield, Duke and Duchess of Destiny XXII. Madelyn is a senior at Natchitoches Central High School and plans to attend Northwestern State University. Madelyn was escorted by her grandfather, Billy Benefield.
Hunter Dale Willis: is the son of member Jodi Howell. Hunter attends St Mary’s and plans to attend Louisiana Tech in the fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Hunter was escorted by his mother, Jodi Howell.
Not Pictured:
Kylie Mae Bennett: is the daughter of members, Jeremy and Hillary Bennett. Kylie will graduate from St. Mary’s and plans to attend an out of state University. She will study Psychology and then attend Law School.
