Kamryn Dawson was crowned Miss Merry Christmas 2026 during the Natchitoches Queens Pageant on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Dawson, a senior at Natchitoches Central High School, is the daughter of Mark and Ragin Dawson.

Eighteen young women competed for the title of Miss Merry Christmas and the distinction of being chosen as a Christmas Belle.

Six young women were chosen as the 2026 Natchitoches Christmas Belles:

• Camille Procell, senior at St. Mary’s School
• Ava Wren, senior at St. Mary’s School
• Daija Hampton, senior at Natchitoches Central High School
• Charity Marshall, senior at Natchitoches Central High School
• Carlie Spears, senior at Lakeview High School
• Summer Rushing, senior at St. Mary’s School

Jayna Curry and Katlyn King both received the Barbara Kirsch Memorial Miss Congeniality Award. The award was established to remember the positive influence Barbara had on others.

The Natchitoches Queens Pageant also featured local Miss and Teen titles. The following young women were crowned during Sunday’s event:

Miss Cane River’s Teen — Vivienne LeBlanc

Miss Natchitoches City of Lights Teen — Landry Edwards

Miss Natchitoches City of Lights — Lauryn Vernon

Miss Cane River — Jalia Shepherd

Miss Natchitoches Parish — Jesse Foshee

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