Meet the Queen: Tennessee
By Wrangler Network contributor Miss Rodeo America
An important moment for me came this past year when I put on the Miss Rodeo Tennessee 2017 trophy buckle. It’s the first one I’ve ever won for myself. Prior to that, I had been wearing a very special buckle that had been won by my grandfather at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in 1996, the year I was born, in a halter event.
My paternal grandparents’ involvement in the American Quarter Horse Association was very influential part of my decision to spend a lot of time in the barn and in the arena horseback. I learned to ride on a good ole pony and discovered quickly that I like going fast!
So naturally, I was drawn to barrel racing, which has become my specialty.
My hometown is Lexington, TN, located in the western side of the state. I graduated from Lexington High School as the 2014 class salutatorian. I am an Ag Business major at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where I’m blessed to attend on an academic scholarship. I am also a member of the UTM Rodeo Team.
As Miss Rodeo Tennessee 2017, I have enjoyed attending the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Convention and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention, held in Nashville this year. And, I look forward to working in the agricultural industry upon graduation.
My favorite rodeo appearance so far has been carrying sponsor flags at my own UTM home rodeo. It’s always a standing-room-only crowd. I’m already looking forward to next year’s huge 50th annual celebration!
Also, I have enjoyed to working our two of our three PRCA rodeos in Tennessee, including Clarksville, TN, and Franklin, TN, and will work Savannah, TN, later this year.
The Savannah, TN, PRCA rodeo also hosts our Miss Rodeo Tennessee and Miss Teen Rodeo Tennessee Pageant. I cannot believe it’s already been a year since I was named MRTN 2017.
When I’m not hitting the books or college rodeoing, I work for a western retailer called Rustic Soul in Jackson, TN. It’s a great way to stay up on all the latest western styles and put a little rodeo money in my pocket.
I have really enjoyed meeting so many new friends in the rodeo community, especially the time I’ve spent with kids at the rodeo. I hope these kids will have great memories from attending the rodeo and will do what they can to keep the industry alive in the future.
I’m really excited about the experiences and networking opportunities afforded me by serving as Miss Rodeo Tennessee. I feel confident it will impact in all my future endeavors. I can already feel my world becoming larger!
A special “thank you” goes to all the volunteers within the Miss Rodeo America Pageant system that devote their time and talent to bettering the lives of all young women who pursue their rodeo queen dreams.
And, of course, a tip of the hat to all the sponsors that partner with the state pageants and the Miss Rodeo America Pageant to provide scholarships and program support. You are most appreciated!
Looking forward to seeing you on the rodeo trail!
