By: HEATHER
BOGARD
Associate Editor
Ashley Ann Gorrell was crowned Queen Cotton LXXII during the 72nd Annual Queen Cotton Pageant held Saturday afternoon, September 26, at the Northside Civic Center.
Gorrell, a resident of Baton Rouge, is the 23-year-old daughter of Samantha and Randall Rowlands. She is currently a second year law student pursuing a Juris Doctor at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, Omega Nu Lamda National College Honor Society, Louisiana State University Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. She received a full tuition scholarship to the Southern University Law Center.
A member of the Port Barre Lion’s Club, Gorrell serves as Tail Twister. She is a proud alumnus of Louisiana Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Phi and the LSU Ambassadors, where she served as the LSU Coca-Cola Campus Ambassador. Gorrell obtained her master’s in business administration. As a first-generation law student, she completed her first year of law school in the top 30 percent of her class and was elected to serve as a judicial intern for the Middle Eastern District of Louisiana for the fall semester.
After earning her Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, Gorrell says, “I plan to practice corporate law and contract litigation, eventually transitioning into policy advocacy for our farmers, ranchers and fishermen.” She adds, “My ultimate goal is to establish and lead my own law firm, turning my passion for the legal field into a successful independent practice.”
Gorrell admits, “From my early days in 4-H, I have been deeply immersed in agriculture and I have witnessed first hand the vital role it plays in our lives, both here in Louisiana and beyond. Through my experiences in 4-H, pageantry and representing Louisiana’s agricultural industries, I have continued to grow as a leader and advocate for agriculture.” She continues, “These opportunities have shown me the importance of connecting farmers and the industries they sustain with the communities they serve, especially through education, outreach, and events that bring people together.”
“I am passionate about preserving the traditions and future of Louisiana agriculture, supporting the farmers who make these industries possible and sharing their importance with others,” Gorrell adds.
“As Queen Cotton,” Gorrell says, “I will have an even greater platform to educate and engage youth, strengthen the connection between cotton farmers and their communities and advocate for an industry that has played such an important role in Louisiana history, economy and way of life.”
Runner-up to the new Queen Cotton is Taylyn Isabella Lacombe, the 18-year-old daughter of Rebecca and Dondi Lacombe of Marksville
In addition to Gorrell being crowned Queen Cotton LXXII, Mike Perron was crowned King Cotton LXXII. Kenneth Ardoin was honored as Colonel Cotton, and Sarahi Sawtelle was recognized as parade marshal during the pageant festivities.
Heritage Manor La Reine Shirley Copeland and Le Roi Byron Faul were also crowned during the afternoon pageant.
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