Bennie George Barron reigned as the 56th King of the Spring Festival Court of the St. Denis Art League at its Annual Presentation and Ball on April 27. Sophia Sutton Hogg reigned as the 56th Queen of the St. Denis Art League Spring Festival Court. Four young ladies served as Heralds.
Barron earned a baccalaureate from Northwestern State University, a master’s degree from Louisiana State University, and a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi. While employed at Northwestern, he served as department head, dean, and vice president. As professor, he authored over two-hundred publications, consulted in over twenty states, and presented several hundred professional workshops and administrative seminars. Ben retired from Northwestern State University after 38 years of service.
After completing active duty in the U.S. Army, Ben served in the active army reserve as a captain.
As a faculty member he was selected by the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education . After retiring from Northwestern, Ben was inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Educators in the School of Education.
An active member of the community, Barron was a member of various organizations. He was a member of the Lions Club and president of the Rotary Club and served as president of the Natchitoches Country Club for over ten years. He also was a member of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Board and one of two founding members of the Mystic Krewe de St. Denis. He served as president of the Krewe for twenty-seven years. As a member of the Natchitoches Historic Foundation, Ben organized and chaired the Pacalé – Roque House Restoration Steering Committee from the 2019 beginning to the 2024 restoration completion. Barron was also president of Natchitoches Historic Foundation.
Ben is married to Janice Susan Barron. They are parents of two daughters, Chari and Allison, one son, Max, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Ben was ordained as a deacon at Grace Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is currently a member of First Baptist Church of Natchitoches.
Sophia is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Hogg. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hogg, Mr. Burton Newton and the late Mrs. Estelle Newton.
A senior at St. Mary’s High School, she will serve as this year’s Valedictorian for the class of 2024. She was recently honored for being selected as Miss St. Mary’s High School. Miss Hogg is active in both school and community activities. Sophia is a four-year member of the St. Mary’s Varsity cheer team where she served as captain. She is a Universal Cheerleader Association All-American and has retained that honor for two years. Sophia is also a three time Universal Cheerleader Association pin-it-forward recipient. As a member of the St. Mary’s Track and Cross Country teams, she has collected several district top placements. She is also a four-year member of Student Council, FBLA, BETA, Cooking for a Cause and FCA. Sophia was also inducted into the National Honor Society her junior and senior year. Additionally, she has held many leadership positions throughout her high school years. Sophia currently serves as Student Council girl representative and Future Business Leaders of America President where she has earned several honors for Public Speaking in preliminary and statewide competitions.
Sophia is an active member of Immaculate Conception Church where she often serves as lector. She was a Summer Dance committee member, Mayor’s Youth Council member and also served as a Calico Belle during the Natchitoches Tour of Homes.
Sophia served as a herald to 48th St. Denis Art League Spring Festival Queen Miss Tori Prudhomme in 2016.
Sophia’s future plans are to attend Louisiana State University and major in Business with a concentration in Marketing.
Serving as Heralds to the Queen are Charlie Ann Ducote and Jeriann Vickers.
Charlee Ann Ducote is the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Keith David Ducote. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Regina Bruce Pierce, the late Mr. Ronald Wayne Prewitt, the late Mr. Jerry Darrell Pierce, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Byron James Ducote. Charlee Ann enjoys tennis, art and cheer. She is a member of Westside Baptist Church and attends NSU Elementary Lab School. Her mother, the former Natalie Prewitt, was presented in 2001 as a Lady and her sister, Karmelya, will be presented this year. Her sister, Allie, served as Herald to King Jerry Pierce, her grandfather, in 2021.
Jeriann Hayden Vickers is the daughter of Mr. Paul Michael Vickers and Ms. Haley Smith Vickers. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. Billy Joe Smith, the late Mrs. Peggy Elaine Collins, Mr. Paul Kenneth Vickers, and Mrs. Emily Ann Pepper, Jeriann participates in competitive cheer, softball, and horse riding. She is on the A honor roll at the NSU Lab School, and she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her mother, the former Haley Smith, was presented as a Lady in 1994, her sister, Johanna Smith will be presented this year. Johanna was also a Herald in 2014 and an Usher in 2022.
Serving as Heralds to the King are Charlotte Ann Freeman and Sadie Poche’.
Charlotte Ann Freeman is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Seth Freeman. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Adair Freeman and Mr. Lloyd Ray Wallace, and Mrs. Tammy Lynn Ladnier. Charlotte is a member of Grand Ecore Baptist Church and Children of the American Revolution. She also is a competitive cheerleader with Elite Cheer. She attends NSU Elementary Lab School.
Sadie Elizabeth Poche’ is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wayne Poche’ II. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Michael DeBlieux, Mrs. James Wayne Poche’ and the late Mr. Poche’. Sadie plays softball and is a member of New Life Church. She attends NSU Elementary Lab School where she is on the A/B honor roll, Beta member, and 4-H Club. Her mother, the former Emily Deblieux, was presented as a Lady in 2003. Her Aunt, the former Lesley Deblieux, and her grandmother, the former Pamela Key, reigned as Queen in 1999 and 1974.
