The Krewe of the Pearl, Pearl River County’s sole Carnival organization, has announced its new royalty for the 2024-2025 season: Scott Klingenberger and Tina Stockstill. The crowning ceremony occurred on Oct. 19 at the Hide-A-Way Lake Lodge, where members of the King’s and Queen’s Court, former Krewe royalty, and family gathered to celebrate.

Scott Klingenberger, originally from Rochester, New York, has lived in Carriere for 32 years. He has worked for the Naval Oceanographic Office for 34 years, currently serving as the Director of Talent Management. In addition to his professional role, Klingenberger has been a dedicated Carriere Volunteer Fire Department member since 1993, holding various positions, including firefighter, First Responder, line officer, and President of the Board of Directors. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Carriere Fire Protection District #11, a position he has held since 2020.

Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Klingenberger enjoys bowling, golfing, and attending Biloxi Shuckers games with family and friends. He and his wife, Lisa Lynn Beard, who hails from the Caeser community, have been married for nearly 31 years. They live in North Hill with their two dogs, Bella and Disney, and their cat, Casper. The couple has three adult children.

Tina Stockstill, a longtime resident of Hide-A-Way Lake, has deep roots in Picayune, having moved to the area in 1965. Originally from Titusville, Florida, she has lived in California and Utah. She was married 46 years to her late husband, Gary Stockstill, with whom she shares three daughters and five grandchildren. Stockstill co-owned a family business for 20 years and has been a licensed insurance agent for the Pigott Agency since 1986. She has also served on the Picayune Chamber of Commerce board for two terms, including a year as president.

Stockstill is a founding member of the Krewe of the Pearl and is passionate about expanding the organization’s membership. She spends much of her time with her children and grandchildren, whether running errands in her golf cart with her younger grandchildren or traveling to Austin to visit others. She also attends marching band events to watch her grandson perform.

The Krewe of the Pearl hosts an annual ball, parade, and other social activities, including events for children. Membership dues are $200 per couple, which covers the ball, two spots on the parade float, and access to social events. Local businesses and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade, which welcomes floats, vehicles, marching groups, and even dog walkers.

Applications for membership are available at Pigott Allstate, located at 915 Highway 43 North, or Cringle’s Studio, located at 213 Williams Avenue in Picayune. Prospective members can apply and pay online through Krewe’s Facebook page, “Krewe of the Pearl.”

This year’s theme is “All That Glitters: Purple, Green, and Gold.” The ball will be held on Feb. 1 at the Hide-A-Way Lake Lodge at 7 p.m. The parade is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. on Goodyear Boulevard.