2024 KDJ Appreciation Soirée — President’s Closing Speech

“Good evening, everyone.

As President of the Krewe de Jeunesse, it is truly an honor to stand before you tonight. This krewe — this dream — began with a vision, but it only became reality because of the people in this room. People who believed in it. People who gave their time, their energy, and their hearts to something greater than themselves.

Tonight, I want to take a moment to thank those individuals — not just for what you’ve done for the krewe, but for what you’ve done for me. This isn’t just about appreciation — it’s about gratitude, love, and the acknowledgment that I could not have done this alone.

I want to begin by thanking someone who has made one of the biggest impacts on both me and this krewe — Tina DeRouen.

Tina has been at the center of everything this year. She’s played an incredible role in shaping not only the ball but the krewe as a whole. From designing and ordering costumes, to crafting the entire structure of the show, to guiding us through legal logistics, bylaws, and board matters — Tina has been there through it all.

She didn’t just help us execute a ball. She helped lay the foundation for a successful organization. This krewe wouldn’t be where it is today without her. The ball wouldn’t have been the success it was, and the year wouldn’t have flowed the way it did, without her constant guidance and support. Tina has been at the center of everything this year; she basically ran this krewe like Beyoncé runs the world.

But beyond her contributions to the krewe, I want to acknowledge what she’s done for me. Tina has helped me become a better leader. She didn’t always have to say it — I learned just by watching her. By observing how she carries herself, how she communicates, how she leads with both strength and grace, I’ve grown in ways I never expected. She’s been a true role model to me, and I am beyond thankful to have her in my corner.

And to her husband, Howard DeRouen — thank you as well. A queen is not a queen without her king, and you have been incredibly supportive. Thank you for opening up your home for our costume fittings and Captain’s Team meetings, and for helping on ball night with the confetti cannons. It may not have been a flashy role, but it made a huge impact — and we’re grateful for you.

Next, Tessa and Billy Dishler.

I love y’all so much. And I mean that. It’s not just because you sponsored us or opened your doors — it’s because you created something truly special. Granddaddy’s Crawfish isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a community. It’s a place where people feel welcome, safe, and cared for — and that reflects who you are. It reflects the love and the values you pour into everything you do.

Tessa, you are one of the kindest and most generous people I know. Billy, your spirit and your presence are unmatched. You’ve supported us, encouraged us, and believed in us. I don’t just see y’all as supporters — I see y’all as family. The kind of family you choose, and the kind of family that makes life better just by being part of it.

Now, Christine and Jeremy Larcade.

Christine — or as I call her, Chrissy — thank you. You showed up this year in a big way. You’ve been a phenomenal treasurer, a phenomenal board member, and an incredible supporter of this krewe. You stepped into something you had no idea about, and you still went above and beyond. You were all in — from beginning to end — and I’m grateful beyond words.

But more than that, thank you for what you’ve done for me personally. You have a genuine compassion about you that is rare. You don’t just help — you care. You feel bad when you can’t do something, and that’s because your heart is always in the right place. You’ve supported me, encouraged me, and been someone I could lean on, and I love you for that.

Jeremy — thank you for being such a supportive husband and team player. Whether it was sitting in the car during long meetings, jumping in to help when we needed “man hands,” or running the follow spot on ball night without a chair — you did it all without complaint, and I appreciate you for that.

Sandi and Bryan Babineaux — y’all are something special.

Sandi, you are one of the most creative minds I know. Your wit, your energy, your humor — I love everything about you. But what stands out most is your talent. You are a decorating fool. The visions you bring to life — I don’t even understand how you come up with them. You’ve helped not just this year, but in so many moments over the years, and I’m so grateful for your heart, your ideas, and your friendship.

And Bryan — you’re just as talented. You create beautiful things and show up with a great attitude and willingness to help. You’re amazing, and I’m thankful for both of you.

Uncle Jackie and Aunt Becky — thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Uncle Jackie, you were there more times than I can count — at the barbecue sale, ball weekend, and even last-minute helping run one of the follow spots. You’ve done so much, and I see it all.

Aunt Becky, you are a Mardi Gras legend. Your experience, your poise, your understanding of this world — you brought all of that to our stage as MC, and you did an amazing job. Y’all are family, and everyone here knows how much I love my family. I feel lucky to call you my aunt and uncle, and I love you both so much.

Shellie Comeaux — my girl!

You are fun, cool, laid-back, and truly one of the baddest in town. You stepped into a board role without ever having done something like this before, and you showed out. You’ve helped in ways big and small, and I genuinely see a future for you on this board. You’re more than just a board member — you’re family to me, and I love you dearly.

Angie Davis — I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first. But that was based on a tampered perspective.

Since getting to know you, I’ve seen your heart, your strength, and your willingness to help in every way. Whether it was costumes, decorations, or just being there for life stuff — you always showed up. You love hard, you care deeply, and you are so, so genuine. You’ve become like a fairy godmother in my life, and I’m grateful you made Louisiana your home 20 years ago — because now you’re part of this family.

Lauren Domingue — I know you were hesitant about joining the board, but you’ve done an amazing job.

From giving me rides to last-minute errands, to showing up at every meeting and event — you’ve done it all. You’ve even bought me food without expecting anything in return. You help not just the krewe, but me. I’m so grateful to have a friend like you in my corner.

Allyson and Todd Allen — thank you.

Allyson, you’ve been with me since I was nine years old, back when I started my news platform. You’ve been part of every venture since — always supporting, always encouraging, and never afraid of hard work. You ran backstage like a boss this year, and I’m thrilled to have you officially on the board. I love you and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.

Todd — thank you for sharing Allyson with us and for jumping in when we needed help. You were backstage, you contributed, and you were part of it all. I see you, and I appreciate you.

Whitney Kibodeaux — what a journey this has been.

Back in February 2024, I asked Whitney if she’d consider joining the board as Captain. I knew she had experience on boards, but I wasn’t sure how she’d handle the show side of things — the dancing, the performance, the spectacle. And let me just say… she didn’t just meet expectations — she defined them.

Whitney brought her business mindset, her leadership, and her boldness into every rehearsal, every planning session, and every moment of this journey. She wasn’t afraid to speak up, to challenge an idea, or to keep things real — and I admire that so much. She is sharp, genuine, strong, and she made the role of Captain her own.

She’s also become one of my best friends — someone I completely trust. I’m so grateful for everything she brought to the table, and I can’t wait to see how far she goes in the future of this krewe.

Jade Durio— you’ve been there since I was 12, letting me blow up your phone just to vent.

You give the best advice. You show up. You’re fun, and let’s be honest — a festival just isn’t a festival without you there. You’ve helped in more ways than people know, and I’m so grateful for you.

Parker Menard — my partner in this vision.

Now, to Parker Menard — not only did he co-create this krewe with me during the pandemic in 2020, but he also served as our very first King. He reigned with such pride, presence, and class, and I could not have picked a better person to represent us in that role. He brought energy and leadership to the court and helped set the tone for what royalty in this krewe should look like.

People often recognize me as the founder, but the truth is — this dream started with both of us. When I brought it back to life in 2024, Parker jumped in as Fundraising Chair and raised nearly $10,000. If I’m being honest, he’s probably the first person we owe thanks to, because that kind of support made this entire year possible.

Beyond that, Parker has been my friend since first grade. He’s one of my best friends — if not the best. We love to joke around, we have the best time when we’re together, and he’s someone I trust with anything. I can’t wait to see what he does as Vice President, and I’ll be proud to hand him the title of President one day.

Danni Meche — our first Queen.

Danni and I have been friends since fifth grade. She’s one of my favorite people. She was a beautiful Queen, and she reigned with such class and grace. She’s funny, she’s fun, she’s like a sister to me — and I’m so proud of her.

Desiree Thibodeaux — you’ve been with me from the start.

When we filed with the state in 2023, you were one of the first people to say yes. You’ve always believed in my crazy ideas, and you always show up to help. You’ve been a constant in my life, and I appreciate you so much.

Andrea Breaux — my girl.

Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Andrea. We go to festivals, we line dance, we hang out, we eat — she’s just one of my favorite people. She’s stepping up as Royalty Co-Chair this year, and I know she’s going to kill it. Watching her shine on the court of another krewe was such a proud moment for me. I love you, Andrea.

My Grandma, Sheila Prejean — you may not have been on a committee or a board, but you’ve been my rock.

You’re my best friend. You’re the person I call when I need advice, a hug, or just a reminder that I’m loved. Your words always have meaning. Your hugs are the best. You’ve been there for me since I was little, and you’ve been my greatest inspiration. I love you more than words can say.

And finally… my mom, Celeste.

I won’t say too much because I’ll cry — but my mom is my lifeline. Everything I’ve done in my life has been because of her. She supported my very first lemonade stand. She encouraged me when I started a news program at just 9 years old. She stood by me when I launched my cookie company, backed me as I started my web design business, and is still standing beside me as I grow my event planning aspirations and this krewe.

She gave me lunch money when she didn’t have it. She made sure I could go on field trips, show up with snacks, and feel supported. She found a way to make every crazy dream feel possible — no matter what. The car I drive, the food I eat, the bed I sleep in — none of it would exist without her sacrifice.

My mom is a story of redemption. She is my hero. And even though there’s so much more I could say, I’ll leave it at this: nothing in my life would be possible without her. I love her with all my heart.

If you showed up, clapped, danced, moved a chair, threw beads, or said, “Y’all need help?” — I see you. I appreciate you. And you’re part of something bigger than just a krewe. You’re part of a family.

We’ve laughed, cried, stressed, ate too much, glittered too hard, and created something amazing together.

So tonight — I raise my glass — to all of you.

To the late-night meetings. To the Amazon Prime addiction. To the duct tape holding our props together. To the Mardi Gras magic. And to next year — may it be even bigger, bolder, and just as beautifully chaotic.

Thank you. I love y’all. Goodnight.”

Even S. St. Julien

2024/25 Krewe President