The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc announces its annual student Joan of Arc competition for French-speaking young women in New Orleans.
The winner will be chosen to lead the annual New Orleans St. Joan of Arc parade on January 6, 2024. This contest is modeled after the contest held annually in Orléans, France, when they select a local girl to lead their military parade celebrating Joan’s victorious lifting of the siege of Orléans from the British in 1429. For more information on the parade including route and other details, visit
www.joanofarcparade.org.
The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc will provide the majority of the costume (student may need to provide some clothing like thermal underwear, beneath costume) for the selected Joan.
The New Orleans Rotary Fund, Inc., will award
a scholarship to the New Orleans Joan of Arc Parade's selected 2024 "Maid
of Honor" to visit Orléans, France, for 10 days. The goal is for the New
Orleans, Louisiana, "Joan of Arc" to meet the Orléans, France, "Jeanne d’Arc," to
experience and learn the history and culture of Orléans, and to build
friendships. The Rotary Club of New Orleans formed a Sister
City Club with the Rotary Club of Orléans in 2021. The scholarship includes
airfare for the recipient and a parent/chaperone and funds to purchase travel
insurance. Lodging in local homes and most meals will be provided by the Rotary
Club of Orléans. Additional touring and arrangements will be provided by the
Orléans - Wichita - New Orleans Association and the City of Orléans. The date
of this visit will be during the summer of 2024.
Eligibility: This contest is open to young women, 16-19 years old (the ages of Joan’s most notable feats and trial), who have shown unique leadership abilities and are currently or have recently studied French in high school, college, or at home. (The candidate must be able to speak some French in conversation and be able to represent Joan for media opportunities, public presentations, and at the Tableaux). This contest does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ancestry or creed. The three top candidates will receive a brief phone interview to assess French fluency and confidence so we may choose the best possible candidate.
FREE TO ENTER: There is no fee to enter the contest.
DEADLINE: November 1, 2023 (both your recommendation letter and your application!)
In addition to filling out the following form including two essays, send a letter of recommendation to
captain@joanofarcparade.org or by mail to THE JOAN OF ARC PROJECT 7330 Sycamore Street, New Orleans, LA 70118
• Winner must be available to be publicly announced and meet the krewe at the coronation party date TBD mid-December. Winner prepares and presents her own brief inspiring speech in English and French for this event.
• Winner must be available to ceremonially crown the king at the pre-parade banquet January 5, 2023.
• Winner must be available to star in our January 6, 2024, parade on horseback and participate in two ceremonies at stops in the parade, the sword blessing at St. Louis Cathedral and the king cake ceremony in Oscar Dunn Park (the sidewalk amphitheater next to the Cafe du Monde).
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Winner must be available (pending school and other obligations) for TV and radio appearances.
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Winner must be available to represent the New Orleans Joan of Arc in our sister city Orléans, France, through a 10-day trip in the summer of 2024. Air fare, travel insurance, lodging and most meals will be provided.
