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This article was submitted by Katelyn Singley, 79th Bogalusa Paper Queen.

This year, I have had the privilege of representing the American Legion Post 24, the Paper Industry and my community of Bogalusa, across our great state.

I have attended multiple events: Ponchatoula Strawberry, Amite Oyster, Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival and many more. I had the honor to be presented at queen’s day events, festivals, pageants and balls. I have done numerous fun activities with my rhinestone sisters throughout my reign such as picking strawberries, eating oysters, playing in sugar, shooting skeet, holding a baby alligator, picking oranges, competing in a cotton candy eating contest, sliding down a levee in my “paper airplane” sled that represented the paper industry, painting crafts and much more.

This past year, I have enjoyed traveling to different parts of Louisiana seeing the rich culture, history and the commodities our state has to offer. It has been said that a person has not seen Louisiana until she has seen it through the eyes of a festival queen, and that statement is very true.

Being the Bogalusa Paper Queen has let me see Louisiana in a different way only a fair/festival queen can. I have met some of the greatest friends traveling our state, which they have turned into sisters, and their families have turned into my family. One of the many highlights of my reign thus far was attending the Washington D.C. Mardi Gras Ball that is attended every year, and all the other events I was able to attend while in Washington D.C. I will truly forever cherish these memories.

I have loved attending all the American Legion Post 24 events and representing them has been such a blessing. Showing my zeal for the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals, the American Legion Post 24, the International Paper Mill, and most importantly, my hometown of Bogalusa in Washington Parish is a dream come true to represent this organization.

I have fallen in love with Louisiana and all the little things that make our state the best in the nation. If you are thinking about trying for this amazing title, do it. You will truly not regret it. Working hard and supporting our veterans who deserve the utmost honor and respect made receiving this title even more appreciated.