Anna Claire Lemoine

Miss Belle of the D'Arbonne

&

Miss Louisiana 2023 Contestant

We asked Anna a few questions about the upcoming Miss Louisiana pageant that she will be competing in.

- (Pageant Realm): How did you start competing?

- (Anna): When I was 10, I served as a Fleur De Lis Princess for my older sister who was competing in Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen. This experience helped cultivate my interest in competing myself someday. So with some encouragement from family, I entered my first Miss Louisiana's Outstanding Teen preliminary at age 12 in my hometown of Minden. Though I did not win this first preliminary, I eventually went on to compete three years as a teen. Then in 2022, I won my first Miss Louisiana preliminary as a 17 year-old in the same Miss Minden preliminary where 1 first began at age 12.

- (PR): What is your Pageant talent?

- (A): My talent is dance, and this year I will perform a jazz dance routine. I have been dancing since the age of 2 and competitively since 8. Dancing is truly a passion for me, and I'm always excited to share my love for dance on the stage.

- (PR): Tell us about your Community Service Initiative?

- (A): My CSI is Shifting Disability to Ability: Supporting Special Olympics through Volunteering. I hope to encourage people to share their time to volunteer in assisting with Special Olympic events throughout Louisiana. Special Olympics provides a way for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to enjoy the power and joy of sports, encourages inclusion and acceptance of all people, and provides opportunities for developing fitness and skills by shining a light on what people can do, not what they can't. Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics, and together in volunteering we can help others by shifting disability to ability.

- (PR): How are you feeling about the pageant now all the contestants have been announced and it's getting closer?

- (A): I'm very excited to be competing again this year for the title of Miss Louisiana. Throughout my involvement in the Miss Louisiana Organization, I have made so many friendships, and I truly look forward to spending the week with my fellow delegates. They're just a really phenomenal group of women. I'm so honored to be a part of the Miss Louisiana class of 2023 and share this experience with them. This year is especially thrilling as it's the 60th anniversary of Miss Louisiana, and I feel blessed to be a part of this history.

- (PR): How has your prep been building up to Miss Louisiana?

- (A): Having won my title early in the season, I've had time to prepare this year without too much stress. It's certainly a strenuous process at times though, but I've managed to put in the work I felt I needed in all aspects of competition while also tackling my freshman year of college. I would say that for me preparing for competition at the state level takes balance and time management, mixed with a good attitude and plenty of self-care.

- (PR): What are you most excited about?

- (A): Of course I love every aspect of Miss Louisiana week, but I'm most excited for the opportunity to share my love and talent for dance on the Miss Louisiana stage once again. I've also heard that the delegates are going bowling, and I'm jazzed about that fun little activity as well! I just hope I don't break a nail because I'm fairly competitive. Haha.

- (PR): Are there any sponsors/partners you want to give a shoutout to?

- (A): l am so grateful for all of my program booklet ad sponsors for their support. I also wish to thank my FDLs and their parents for their support in this journey.

INTERVIEW BY DANIEL B - PAGEANT REALM INTERVIEW CORRESPONDENT