Fontenot crowned Farm Bureau queen

Tara Fontenot of Basile was crowned 2017 Evangeline Parish Farm Bureau Queen at the 65th Annual Evangeline Parish Farm Bureau Meeting and Queen’s Contests on March 6.
Fontenot said, “It (being crowned queen) was truly a dream come true. I’ve been coming to this contest for 14 years and have always wanted to take on this important role.”
This was the first time Fontenot had competed in the contest, and she was crowned by outgoing 2016 Queen Heidi Bieber.
Fontenot, 16, is the daughter of Scotty and Tammy Fontenot and she attends Basile High School. She is a member of the Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Students, Student Council, Cheer Team and Track Team. She is Junior Class President, Vice President for the 4-H Club and Jr. Leader’s Club and was 2015 Future Farmers of America President.
Fontenot is on the Livestock Team, and she shows broilers and swine. She is also a dual enrollment student at South Louisiana Community College.
Her school awards include Honor Roll, 2015 Outstanding PE Student, FBLA Superior in Ag Business, Literary Rally, 3rd in Agriculture, multiple 4-H Achievement Day Awards, 2015 Sophomore Maid and 2015 TriAthlete Award.
Her church activities include being a member of the Annunciation Church of Duralde where she is an Altar Server and a Vacation Bible School Teacher. She is a Confirmation Candidate and a member of the Duralde Youth Group.
Fontenot’s hobbies include weight lifting, running, cheering, and throwing the javelin. She enjoys riding four wheelers and checking fields with her dad.
During the rice harvest, she drives a rice cart. She enjoys working with her 4-H animals, her pig, Conrad, and her broilers. She also spends time with her dog, Tucker.
After graduating from high school in 2018, she plans to attend McNeese State University where she plans to major in Agriculture Education. Fontenot hopes to teach the importance of agriculture to the younger generations. In her free time, she would like to raise laying hens and beef cattle.
Fontenot received a check for $200.00 and a $300.00 scholarship towards her college education from her father and Evangeline Parish Farm Bureau President Scotty Fontenot.
Fontenot has competed in other pageants, and she was Junior Deb Miss Basile.
During her reign as Evangeline Parish Farm Bureau Queen, Fontenot hopes to become more educated with the farming industry, including new policies and farm bills.
“But more importantly I wish to learn what Farm Bureau truly means to the farming community,” she added.
Fontenot continued, “I believe that one must be dedicated and willing to stand up for the farmers so that their voices will be heard.”
As queen, Fontenot said she hopes to fulfill the duties of representing Evangeline Parish Farm Bureau by visiting schools and spreading the message of agriculture to children.
“Everything they eat, wear, and even the homes they live in come from agriculture,” Fontenot said. “These students can benefit a lot from ag in the classroom.
“I also want to go to Farm Bureau meetings and commodity festivals so that I can be the voice of Evangeline parish Farm Bureau and let everyone know how important our farmer’s jobs are.”
During the meeting, the elder Fontenot gave the President’s Report, and Richard Fontenot gave the Treasurer’s Report and Legislative Report.
The Board of Directors was re-elected to serve another term in office which include: Scotty Fontenot, President; Richard Fontenot, Vice President; Ike Morein, Treasure/Secretary; Tom Ardoin; Charles Blyn Rozas; Felix Morein; J.D. Fontenot; Jake Ardoin; Ted Soileau; Donald Deville; Walter Tortorich; Jody D. Fontenot; Robert Soileau; Bobby Lahaye; and Robert Helmer.
Assistant Agency Manager Jeremy Ortego gave the Insurance Report, and State Representative Bernard LeBas spoke about legislative activities going on in Baton Rouge.