Others may follow but there is only one first. On January 2nd, Emma Carter, who is a senior at Quitman High School made local history by being the first high school student from Jackson Parish to ride a float in the annual Rose Bowl Parade that was held in Pasadena, CA. 

Carter, along with other pageant, fair and festival winners from all over the state of Louisiana were invited to ride on a float sponsored by the state of Louisiana along with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. The beautiful representative of Jackson Parish earned the incredible opportunity to take part in one of the most iconic New Year Holiday traditions by being named Queen of the Dixie Gem Peach Festival Pageant held in Ruston earlier in the year.

The float, which was in the image of a Louisiana Riverboat covered with roses, was the brainchild of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who was also on board, to promote the state and use as an introduction to Mardi Gras celebration to the world. The float was the darling of the parade and brought home the Showmanship Award, traditionally given to the float that had the most creative design.