Teen will get her crowning moment as she reigns over Argus | Entertainment/Life

When Callie Langhetee was a child, her favorite Mardi Gras throws were stuffed animals and long beads with blinking lights. But she snagged one throw five years ago that she loves so much she wears it two or three times a week.

“It’s black T-shirt and has a ghost face printed on it,” Callie said with a laugh. “Also printed on it are the words ‘The Mortuary.’ I am pretty sure it’s from the Halloween Mortuary Haunted House on Canal Street. It’s so comfortable and I just love it.”

On Fat Tuesday, however, Callie will keep her prized T-shirt at home and instead wear something more fitting for Carnival royalty: a beaded gold gown and a custom-made crown with matching scepter. She will reign as Queen of Argus.

Callie, 17, is a senior at the Academy of Sacred Heart in New Orleans. She is co-editor of the school newspaper and a 2026 semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship.

The daughter of Dr. Henry Langhetee and Wanda Theriot, Callie said her father has been a member of Argus for many years and her sister, Allison, was queen in 2023.

Before she was named queen, Callie was a princess in 2016, a junior maid in 2022 and a maid in 2024 in Argus’ royal courts.

“Because of my family’s connection to Argus and my own experiences, I had a good idea of what to expect,” she said. “I’ve known since I was in kindergarten that I would be queen. I have had to wait a long time for this day.”

When she told her friends and classmates at Sacred Heart she would be queen, Callie said they were shocked.

“They couldn’t believe it, and they all were excited for me,” she said. “Many of my friends have been able to come to some of the Argus events to support me.

“I have also enjoyed spending time with the eight maids in my court and having a chance to get to know each other.”

David Haydel, the owner of Haydel’s Bakery in Old Jefferson, is the king.

“We have had many conversations, and the king has always been very kind, sweet and supportive,” Callie said.

At the Galaxy Ball, held on Jan. 23, Langhetee was a little nervous about tripping.

“When I first walked out, I did have butterflies and my nerves certainly kicked in,” she said. “But once I saw my family and friends I was fine and no, I didn’t trip or fall.”

Playing an important role in preparing Callie for her reign are her parents.

“My mom and dad have helped me so much and I am grateful to them for this opportunity,” she said. “They have encouraged me to enjoy every moment because, as they told to me, the time goes by very fast.”

“We are so honored that both our daughters were chosen queens of Argus,” Wanda Theriot said. “In 2016, Allison and Callie were both princesses in the Argus court. I have a photo of them standing together, looking at one another and smiling. And this year, I want to recreate that photo. It’s a capstone moment for our family.”

The king and queen of Zulu, Dr. Ronald Tassin and Sharell Monique Chatman, will meet the Argus king and queen for the annual Lundi Gras celebration at 10 a.m. in Kenner’s Rivertown.

“It will be a very special moment,” Callie said. “The crowds for Lundi Gras have grown over the years, and it will be great to celebrate with the Zulu king and queen.”

Callie will board her float, accompanied by her father and her two uncles, Ronald Burrough and David Leingang. She’s crossing her fingers that the weather will be beautiful and looking forward to celebrating with the crowds along the route.

“I can’t wait to see my mom on the Argus reviewing stand, my sister, other family members and my friends along the parade route, and the crowds,” Callie said. “This has been such a fulfilling experience for me and is something I will never forget. I have had so much fun.”

The theme of the Argus parade is “Argus Gets Animated.” It will begin at 11 a.m. taking the traditional Metairie route.

The Elks Krewe of Jeffersonians will follow Argus.