Justine Ker was crowned Miss Louisiana 2016 Saturday night at the Monroe Civic Center.
Ker, 22, of Choudrant, was chosen from a field of 32 contestants and the 53nd Miss Louisiana to be crowned in Monroe. First runner-up was awarded to Miss Heart of Pilot Holli’ Conway.
Rounding out the top five were Miss Louisiana Lagniappe Alexandra Gulino, Miss Greater Baton Rouge Breanna Collier and Miss Crescent City New Orleans Emily Randon. The Top 10 also included Miss Dixie Gem Peach Anna Blake, Miss Union Parish Eva Edinger, Miss Miss Louisiana Jazzland Meagan Crews, Miss Louisiana Tech University Rachel Vizza and Miss Spirit of Ruston Laryssa Bonacquisti.
Miss Louisiana Stockshow Baylea Huffman was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Miss Bossier City Hanna Teutsch won a non finalist talent award.
Thursday night’s preliminary winners were Miss Crescent City New Orleans Emily Randon in Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit and Miss Louisiana Watermelon Festival Justine Ker in Talent.
Friday night’s preliminary winners were Miss Union Parish Eva Edinger in Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit and Miss Spirit of Ruston Laryssa Bonacquisti in Talent.
Ker started as a Fleur de Lis Princess in 2005 under Mollly Causey, who won the title. She was crowned Miss Louisiana Outstanding Teen in 2011.
She has competed at the Miss Louisiana pageant for two years. She was the first runner-up to April Nelson in 2015.
Ker will represent the state at the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Preliminaries are Sept. 6-8, and finals will be Sept. 11.
