Through a receiving line-which led to a variety pastries, coffees, teas and other sweet food items, 2024 Natchitoches Miss Merry Christmas-Layla Johnson and 2024 Miss Merry Christmas Belle-Ayla Payne, were honored at a sweets reception on Dec. 10 at the Williams Life Development/Community House.

Seniors at Natchitoches Central High School, Johnson and Payne were presented with book scholarship opportunities to colleges of their choice and unique (wooden) engraved keepsakes. Extending holiday greetings to everyone and sharing their plans after high school, the two thanked the hosting groups for the honor. Krewe of The 9-Mardi Gras krewe and the Emma Robinson Williams Education Foundation (ERWEF) co-hosted the evening event.

PICTURED from left: Ayla Payne’s parents; Damien Payne and Natosha Johnson, Payne, Layla and her parents; Latricia and Michael Johnson, Sr.