Slidell High School and Tulane graduate turned NFL running back Matt Fort�© is reigning as the grand marshal of the Krewe of Claude parade rolling this Sunday in Slidell.

Fort�© graduated from Slidell High in 2004 and continued his academic and football career at Tulane University in New Orleans. NFL scouts became very interested in Fort�© after he completed his senior year with the Green Wave where he rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 23 touchdowns.

After being selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears, Fort�© quickly became the squad'��s feature back garnering 1,238 rushing yards, nearly eclipsing the team'��s 1,330 combined rushing yards of the 2007 season.

Matt Fort�©

The parade starts at 1 p.m. at Fritchie Park and will roll onto Pontchartrain Boulevard then to Front Street and onto Gause Boulevard and disband at Midtown Shopping Center.

This year'��s theme is '��A Year of Royalty'�� and will showcase past kings and queens, three marching bands, three other motorized entries, shiners, three riding groups, 12 walking units, 11 floats and six special car entries.

Revelers can also find the patented Pecan Krewe beads at the parade.

Featured this year will be Mr. and Mrs. Julius Baham Sr. as the krewe'��s newly created Seniors of the Year recognition. The Bahams are receiving this award for their active rolls in the community.

Marla Meadows, Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Club will reign as the 2009 Ambassador.

Past Royalty participating in the parade include Frieda Torregano, Emma Hartley, Mary A. Hicks, Linda Porter, parish councilman Kenneth Burkhalter, Slidell city councilman Lionel Hicks, Freddie Pichon, Eli Whitley, Cleveland Parker, Luther Burnett, Robert Thompson, Dwight Denham, and Johnny Terrell.

The Krewe of Claude Ball will be celebrated Feb. 25 at the Slidell Harbor Center. The Gina Brown Band will provide live music. A silent auction will also be held at the ball.

To become a member or purchase tickets for the ball, call 707-5092 or 290-8853.