Maaliyah Papillion from Lake Charles is crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2016

Maaliyah Papillion was crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2016 on Oct. 24 at Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette. She is 21 years old from Lake Charles and succeeds Miss Louisiana USA 2015 Candice Bennatt who finished Top 11 this year. Papillion now has the official right to represent her state at Miss USA 2016 where she would try to succeed reigning Miss USA Olivia Jordan from Oklahoma. At the same event, Ellie Picone was crowned Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2016.

 Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2016, Ellie Picone &  Miss Louisiana USA 2016, Maaliyah Papillion

 Miss Louisiana USA 2016, Maaliyah Papillion

“I am so humbled to be crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2016! This has been a dream of mine for a long time now and I couldn’t be happier to represent my state at Miss USA this year. There is no secret to success, all you have to do is believe!” said the beauty queen, daughter of Shaman Shawn Papillion

Papillion is not new to pageant as had previously competed at Miss Teen Louisiana USA 2011 where she was 4RU, Miss Teen Louisiana USA 2012 & 2013 (2RU) and finished as Top 10 at Miss Louisiana USA 2015.

  Miss Louisiana USA 2016, Maaliyah Papillion

Louisiana is one of the successful states in Miss USA pageant as it boast of three winners with Eurlyne Howell of 1958, Sharon Brown of 1961, and Ali Landry of 1996. Also had placed countless times and received special awards as well. Do you think Maaliyah Papillion could win the 4th crown after 19 years?

Final Results

Miss Louisiana USA 2016: Maaliyah Papillion – Lake Charles

First runner-up : Bethany Trahan – Calcasieu
Second runner-up : Lauren Vizza – Central Parishes
Third runner-up : Scarlett Blades – Slidell
Fourth runner-up : Christina Famularo – New Orleans

TOP 15

Scarlett Blades – Slidell
Mariah Clayton – Florida Parishes
Kimberly Newville – Acadiana
Helena Cefalu – River Ranch
Victoria Sagrera – Vermilion Parish
Rachel North – Lafayette
Alexis Johnson – Cenla
Christina Famularo – New Orleans
Ali Williams – Southwest
Bethany Trahan – Calcasieu
Ashley Barbier – LSU
Maaliyah Papillion – Lake Charles
Devin Boyd – Baton Rouge
Lauren Vizza – Central Parishes
Krista Toussant – UL

Photo Credit: Maaliyah Papillion Facebook