Unveiling the Magic of Mardi Gras:

Join Us for a Night of Purpose and Celebration!

Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of unparalleled enchantment at the Association of St. Augustine Alumni – DFW Chapter's Annual Mardi Gras Ball! Step into a world of glamour and goodwill as we invite you to join us on January 31th, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM at the exquisite Hurst Conference Center – 1601 Campus Dr, Hurst, TX 76054.

Embark on an evening that transcends the ordinary, where every moment is infused with the spirit of New Orleans. Our gala isn't just an event; it's a celebration of a 70-year legacy of educating and empowering deserving young black men in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Prepare to be captivated by the rhythm and soul of New Orleans traditions, featuring captivating performances by Carnival Indians, and a dynamic Brass Band.

This "must-attend" affair isn't just about glitz and glamour; it's about making a difference. The Mardi Gras Ball is our flagship fundraising gala, focusing on raising awareness and support to further St. Aug's mission. Your presence and support will play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of students and their families. Indulge in five hours of New Orleans hospitality, delectable cuisine, and the infectious joy that defines Mardi Gras.

This is more than an event; it's an opportunity to become part of something extraordinary. Mark your calendar, rally your friends, and join us for a night where purpose meets celebration! Together, let's make the 2026 Mardi Gras Ball an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of New Orleans.

Exciting News:
Join Us for Sunday Brunch!

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Sunday Brunch on February 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM also hosted at the beautiful Hurst Conference Center. This special gathering will be a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal and connect with fellow guests in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there for a delightful Sunday experience!

The Event Venue

Hurst Conference Center

1601 Campus Dr, Hurst, TX 76054

Click to Purchase Ball Tickets Today!

Your Entertainment

Soulful Soundz Band

George Mccullum

Unfaded Brass Band

D.J. Professor Breez

Why Sponsor?

Elevate Your Brand by Sponsoring an Exclusive Mardi Gras Experience!

Partner with us for a premier sponsorship opportunity that puts your brand, products, or services in front of influential professionals from across the DFW area and major cities nationwide. Our event is an exclusive, high-energy celebration with a purpose—bringing together a dynamic audience eager to engage with businesses like yours.

To ensure an unforgettable experience, we are capping attendance at 500 this year, but demand is soaring! Over the next few years, we anticipate expanding to welcome over 1,200 distinguished guests. This means your brand has the chance to grow alongside one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras celebrations in the region.

Our attendees represent a diverse range of industries, backgrounds, and consumer interests—making this a prime opportunity to connect with decision-makers and tastemakers alike. Join us in supporting this ‘party with a cause’ and position your business at the forefront of an event that blends tradition, culture, and networking in a way only Mardi Gras can.

Secure your sponsorship today and grow with us!

Photo of Grammy Award Winning Artiste Jon Batiste Class of 2004. Musician for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

The entire 2022 Graduating Class achieved a 100% college

acceptance and received $9.2 million in tuition scholarships.

Black and white photograph of

St. Augustine High School

basketball team located in

the National Museum

of African American History and

Culture, Washington, D.C.

501c3 Information sent upon request

2026 Mardi Gras Ball - Sponsorship Packages

2026 Mardi Gras Ball - Ad Specifications
Ad Sizes Available - Width x Height in Inches

Click Here to Become a Sponsor

501c3 Information sent upon request

Our 2026 Grand Marshal

Fr. R. Tony Ricard, M.Th., M.Divs
Class of 1982

Rev. R. Tony Ricard is a Priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and is the Campus Minister and

Chair of the Theology Department at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. He is the

Archdiocesan Director for the Office of Black Catholic Ministries and is also a Core Instructor of Church

Doctrine and Youth Ministry for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Fr. Tony is the author of 14 awesome books which include “I Still Believe: A Testimony of Faith

After the Storm,” “Don’t Be Stupid! Lessons You Should Already Know,” and “Diary of An Unapologetic

Roman Catholic Priest”. His books, “Tony Tales” and “Tony Tales 2" are compilations of his first nine

Best-Selling books. His book, “Dreams I’ve Never Had! Justice Denied/Justice Supplied” reflects on

many of the issues that we are currently faced in this world. His illustrated book called “The Eagle Story”

is a bilingual story for children. His newest book is “Pray with Me! A Courageous Journey of Faith”.

he proceeds from his books are used to support youth ministry programs and provide scholarships to

St. Augustine High School.

Fr. Tony has given keynote addresses, retreats, revivals, and youth talks across the nation and throughout Canada. At last count, he has preached in and visited 23 other countries.

Since the 2000 Season, Fr. Tony has served as the Catholic Chaplain of the NFL’s 2010 World Champions - the New Orleans Saints. In this capacity he coordinates the Pre-game Masses and celebrates other Sacraments with the Players, Coaches and Staff. Back in the fall of 2010, he was featured in an internationally-released commercial for the NFL Network.

He is a native of New Orleans and a proud graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School and a 1982 graduate of St. Augustine High School. He is a former New Orleans Public School teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, a Master of Theology degree from Xavier University and a Master of Divinity degree from Notre Dame Seminary.

He is the 7th member of his family to enter religious life or become an ordained priest. Two of his cousins are now active Bishops in the Catholic Church: Bishop John Ricard, SSJ - Superior General of the Josephites and Archbishop Shelon Fabre, Archbishop of Louisville Kentucky.

In September of 2012, a film on the life and ministry of Fr. R. Tony Ricard premiered in New Orleans. It has aired on Catholic and PBS television stations across the nation. Although several titles for this film were considered, the chosen title is simply, “Father Tony.” This title was chosen because whenever folks ask, “Who is that priest?”, the only answer that can be given is that’s “Father Tony.”

His love for God and his dedication to St. Augustine High School. He has been a part of the Faculty for 18 years. He is by far one of the greatest preachers and teachers around!

Our 2025 King

Darrien M Honora Class of 1999

Darrien Michael Honora was born on September 7, 1980, at Methodist

Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He is the son of Emile Honore (d. 2018)

and LaVerne Mercadel. Darrien grew up in the heart of the 7th Ward,

known as Bac-A-Town, on the corner of Hope St. and New Orleans St.

This location was across from the Historic Parakeet Bar and Lounge

and just a block away from St. Augustine High School.

Darrien attended Epiphany Elementary with many of his Mercadel family members before moving to New Orleans East. He played at the Milne Raiders playground, showcasing his skills and talents in football and baseball. In the fall of 1995, Darrien enrolled at St. Augustine High School and graduated with the self-proclaimed best class of 1999. He was a member of the 1999 Track Indoor/Outdoor Championship team.

In the fall of 1999, Darrien joined Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, as part of their largest incoming freshman class. While in college, he was involved in the African American Caucus Organization and became a member of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Mason Fraternity. He graduated from Northwestern State University in 2003 with a B.S. in Business Administration.

During his time at Northwestern State, Darrien met and began a relationship with his future wife, C'Nita Honora. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Darrien and C'Nita made the life-changing decision to move to the DFW area in October 2005. Darrien has worked in the financial industry for over 21 years and is currently a Catastrophe Claims Field Adjuster with State Farm Insurance.

Following in his father's footsteps, Darrien is dedicated to mentoring and coaching youth, emphasizing the core value of discipline. He aims to prepare them for future challenges and help them achieve their dreams, while also teaching them how to handle life's curveballs professionally. In his spare time, Darrien enjoys relaxing at home as a diehard Saints, Pelicans, and Chicago Cubs fan, and competing in bowling.

Darrien has seven siblings: Jarred Honora and Alacia Honora (from his mother), and five older siblings: Tonya Whitaker (Honora), Artronise Dedaux (Honora), Natasha Honora, Rozita McCain (Honora), and Shawn Honora.

Darrien is a charter member of the DFWAASA and serves on the MGB Committee. He is honored to follow in the footsteps of previous MGB Kings from his chapter, including Vernon Mullen (‘67), Glenn Johnson (’88), Reginald Alexander, Sr (’81), and Lawrence Epps (’74).