Apply here by Nov. 1, 2024, to portray Joan of Arc in 2025 in the Joan of Arc parade January 6 in New Orleans, and in sister city Orléans, France, in the summer.

DEADLINE: November 1, 2024
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 ride on horseback as the star of our annual French Quarter saint procession on January 6, 2025. 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.  Our winner will get a travel scholarship to France to meet the French young Joan and represent New Orleans in our sister city!

FREE TO ENTER: There is no fee to enter the contest. 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.

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 in the parade). 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. 

DEADLINE: November 1, 2024

• In addition to filling out the application 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 for a couple of horseback riding practice lessons to be scheduled with our horse coordinator.
• Winner must be available to be publicly announced and meet the krewe at the coronation party (date to-be-determined 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 on January 4, 2025.
• Winner must be available to star in our 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, January 6th, 2025. 
• Winner must be available (pending school and other obligations) for TV and radio appearances.
• The New Orleans Rotary Fund, Inc., will award a scholarship to the New Orleans Joan of Arc Parade’s selected 2025 “Maid of Honor” to visit Orléans, France, for up to 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.  The date of this visit will be during the summer of 2025.
• Past Maids of Honor include: Marley Marsalis (2024), Emmeline Meyer (2023), Ava Wilkes (2022), Zoe Kanga (2020), Alyssa Fortier (2019), Martha Pinney (2018), Heloise Trumel (2017), Margaux Schexnider (2016), Emma Martello (2015), Clara Bajeux (2014), Gretchen Neuenhaus (2013), Aggie Bell (2012), Mallory Young (2011) and Blair Davis (2010).
• Questions: captain@joanofarcparade.org

2020 Maid of Honor Zoe Kanga from Lusher.

2012 Maid Aggie Bell crowns our 2012 King Charles VII, Damien Regnard at the king cake ceremony at the end of the parade

2013 Maid of Honor Gretchen Neuenhaus