Ms. Boggy Bayou Chasity Nicole Matte:

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

Reflecting on her reign as Ms. Boggy Bayou, Chasity Nicole Matte shares, “Being crowned Ms. Boggy Bayou has opened my eyes even more than before to how many people don’t realize that most pageants extend far beyond a pretty dress, makeup, and a crown. For example, Boggy Bayou not only represents Prairie Manor Nursing Home and its precious little residents, but the funds raised (from the festival) also support the nursing home.”
The 47-year-old daughter of the late Wayne and Charleen Matte of Mamou, is currently employed with St. Landry Parish Government and serves on the board of directors for the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana. Her goal is to continue raising awareness for the dangers of texting and driving, as well as traumatic brain injury, which ultimately claimed her son’s life.
Matte has had several titles in the past and currently holds a couple of titles since the end of her Boggy Bayou in March. She recalls, “I previously held the Jr Miss Boggy Bayou title, which made winning as an adult so much more special.” Matte adds, “While each title holds a special place in my heart, Boggy Bayou will always be the most special because of what it represents.”
The best and most memorable moments from her reign, Matte admits, were “hands down the memories I made with the residents at Prairie Manor. I loved traveling, but visiting the nursing home and seeing the residents’ faces light up has been the most impactful experience.” She also says, “My most favorite event I attended as Ms Boggy Bayou, aside from our festival and the nursing home visits of course, was Pockin’ on the Bayou in Cottonport, (It was) such a cool event! I also judged and emceed several pageants throughout my reign, which was really special.”
“One of the biggest things I learned,” Matte admits, “is that although I am familiar with Boggy Bayou and the nursing home, I never truly understood how much the residents need and appreciate the visits and interaction. It is different when you visit a single family member you already know and love but visiting 10 to 15 strangers who are genuinely happy to see you, even if you have never met them, touches your heart in a different way. Some of these residents do not have anyone visiting them so the visits meant so much to them and me.”
Matte shares her thanks to everyone involved in her successful and fun year as queen, saying, “I would like to thank the board for all the hard work and dedication they pour into this organization year after year. Without them none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank my wonderful man, Toby, for being on board with all of my shenanigans over the year, from ironing raccoons on my dress to driving me in the parade; and for listening to me ramble about all things Boggy Bayou, royal blue, or raccoon. He never complained, not even once.”
To her successor, Matte shares, “I believe that to be a good festival queen, or queen in general, one must first understand the title and what it represents. I also believe one of the most important things when representing is to first form a united front with your sister queens and court because if that unity is lacking, it shows. That was one thing that could have been better in my experience over my reign.” She continues, “I can only pray that you have 10 times the fun and make 10 times the memories I did as Ms. Boggy Bayou and I encourage you to visit the nursing home as often as possible, even if you have to do it alone. Enjoy each day of your reign because it ends quickly. I can also only pray that you and your sister queens find love and unity and carry that love and unity to the residents.”