In preparation for the (pre-season) and the 2023 Mardi Gras season, the Krewe of Excellence held its annual coronation-bestowing and crowing the krewe’s royal leaders on June 4 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum in Natchitoches.

Sean Kevin Pickens and LaShonda Michelle Gray Berryman, will serve as King and Queen VIII, respectively. Nikeo K. Collins, Sr. and Jacqueline L. Lawson will serve as Duke and Duchess of Superiority VII and Chadwick J. Nelson, Sr. and Sylvia L. Woodson Crosby will serve as Duke and Duchess of Perfection VII.

Royalty members and members in general-of the Northwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association (NWLMGA), family members and friends of the selected royalty, joined the Krewe in celebrating the new royal leaders. A constituent member of Association, the court will participate in various coronations, parades, fairs, festivals, balls and multiple public service projects for the community at-large. Over a dozen parties/activities (pre and regular season) have been planned for the reigning revelers. “An exciting, hard working court, ready for the season,” said Cathy Chester, 2023 ball captain.

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