Miss Rodeo America: Latest News Releases
The latest news releases from the Miss Rodeo America Organization are found here, with older news releases, archived by year, are found on the News Release Archives page.
First Mississippian crowned Miss Rodeo America
LAS VEGAS (Dec. 5, 2009) — The results are in and the next Miss Rodeo America has been crowned. The 2010 leading lady of professional rodeo is Kelli Jackson of Eupora, Miss. Jackson is the first Miss Rodeo Mississippi to achieve the title of Miss Rodeo America. During the next year, she will travel more than 100,000 miles representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
“I am an enthusiastic rodeo fan and spirited competitor; the sport of rodeo encompasses not only my dreams, but also my passion. As Miss Rodeo America, I will offer a welcoming glimpse of the western lifestyle and the sport of rodeo to our nation,” Jackson said.
Miss Rodeo America 2009, Maegan Ridley, of Alta Loma, Calif., will fulfill her duties at the 51st anniversary of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Jackson will be introduced as the 2010 Miss Rodeo America at the 4th performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. She will begin making appearances at rodeos across the country in January.
In a press conference following her coronation Kelli thanked her family for encouraging her to dare to dream and believing in her.
“My family provided a strong foundation and it’s all of you have taught me to fly,” Kelli said in reference to her supporters.
Aside from her rodeo interests, Jackson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Wheaton College. Her goal is to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Policy with an Agricultural Development Focus from Duke University. Jackson will be able to put to good use, the $10,000 educational scholarship she will receive at the completion of her reign.
Jackson was also awarded a wardrobe of Wrangler Jeans, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats, fully tooled Court’s Saddle with custom Miss Rodeo America conchos and an official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths. Accompanying the perpetual Miss Rodeo America tiara made by Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations she was given a wardrobe of matching jewelry. These items, along with a multitude of other valuable and exquisite prizes will be presented to her throughout the year.
Contestants were judged in the major categories of horsemanship, personality, and appearance, competing in the areas of public speaking, personal interviews, modeling, photogenic and rodeo/equine knowledge. Contestants were eligible for nearly $40,000 in scholarships at the 2010 Miss Rodeo America Pageant. In addition to the $10,000 Miss Rodeo America scholarship, Jackson also received an additional $3,500 in scholarships for winning the speech award, personality category and appearance category.
Jackson is looking forward to seeing all aspects of rodeo while traveling across the country as Miss Rodeo America 2010. “I’m looking forward to promoting professional rodeo and the Miss Rodeo America organization in its entirety from coast to coast,” she said.
Below is a complete listing of awards presented at the 2010 Miss Rodeo America Pageant.
2010 Miss Rodeo America Pageant Award Winners
Miss Rodeo America 2010 – Kelli Jackson from Eupora, Miss.; First Runner-up – Freya Ford, Miss Rodeo Idaho from Sandpoint, Idaho; Second Runner-up – Courtney Smith, Miss Rodeo South Dakota from Rapid City, S.D.; Third Runner-up – Taryn Brady, Miss Rodeo Arizona from Mesa, Ariz.; Fourth Runner-up – Amber Dell, Miss Rodeo Tennessee from Franklin, Tenn.
REGIONAL AWARDS:
Western Region Scholarship – Allie Bass, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Sheridan, Wyo.
Central Region Scholarship – Jenna Johnson, Miss Rodeo Minnesota, Willmar, Minn. Eastern
Region Scholarship – Charla Wacker, Miss Rodeo Virginia, Lovettsville, Va.
CATEGORY AWARDS: Appearance – Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Eupora, Miss. Personality – Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Eupora, Miss. Horsemanship – Allie Bass, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Sheridan, Wyo. Speech – Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Eupora, Miss. Photogenic – Taryn Brady, Miss Rodeo Arizona, Mesa, Ariz. Rodeo Knowledge Written Test – Ashley Hoffmann Miss Rodeo California, Salinas, Calif.
OTHER AWARDS:
Congeniality – Eileen Lenzner, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, Wausau, Wis.; Raeana Wadhams Spirit Award – Allie Bass, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Sheridan, Wyo;. Original Chaps Award – Courtney Smith, Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Rapid City, S.D;. Achievement Award (most funds raised for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation Drawing) – Victoria Jeffcoat, Miss Rodeo Alabama, Tallassee, Ala.
In Addition, Jessinta Hammer, Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Kathryn, N.D., was awarded a “Special Congeniality” award. Hammer was recently diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease and was not able to attend the Pageant.
Winner of the People’s Choice Text Voting Award was Brooklynn Chester, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Las Cruces, NM.
$1,000 Random Scholarship Winners: Meredith Holland, Miss Rodeo Kansas, Manhattan, Kan.; Andrea Lynch, Miss Rodeo Nevada, Reno, Nev.; Amy Amack, Miss Rodeo Nebraska, Chadron, Neb.; and Brooklynn Chester, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Las Cruces, N.M.
Scrapbook Awards: 1st Place – Jenna Johnson, Miss Rodeo Minnesota; 2nd Place Courtney Smith, Miss Rodeo South Dakota; 3rd Place Amber Dell, Miss Rodeo Tennessee; and 4th Place Kelli Jackson, Miss Rodeo Mississippi.
Contact: DeAnna Power, Office Manager 719-948-9206 or 719-568-2694 cell
Miss Rodeo America Inc. – An organization developed in 1955 striving to provide a quality Miss Rodeo America competition, enrich the lives of contestants and each year select a qualified young lady as Miss Rodeo America to serve as a goodwill ambassador promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Western traditions.
Miss Rodeo America Promotes Rodeo in Spain
PUEBLO, Colo. (October 6, 2009) — Miss Rodeo America 2009, Maegan Ridley, traveled to Spain Sept. 28, to promote the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and America’s original sport, rodeo. Ridley will be spending the month of October touring with the Rodeo Europe Tour.
“The rodeo in Marbella was awesome to witness as well as be a part of. Talk about an excited crowd,” Ridley said.
Rodeos are being held in bull fighting arenas. Spain has welcomed the sport with sold-out crowds and an abundance of interest from local media. Since the beginning of the tour on, Sept. 18, most performances have had 8,000 to 15,000 first-time rodeo goers. Ridley will be a part of rodeos in seven cities across Spain. She is one of approximately 60 staff on tour. Cowboys and cowgirls from the United States were selected as contestants and crew, some coming in shifts while others remain oversees for the duration. Spanish-speaking Tara Spencer, Miss Rodeo Colorado 2006, is also traveling with the tour serving in many aspects including translating and promotional pieces with media.
“Not only were the contestants and crew selected on their ability to work a rodeo well, but we all know how to have fun,” Stock Contractor Bronc Rumford said in an earlier interview with ESPN blogger, Casper Bindixsen.
“I’m so glad as Miss Rodeo America I have the opportunity to share my passion for rodeo outside of the United States,” Ridley said. The tour is a collaborative effort of Kansas-based Rumford Rodeo, GP Spain and ESFM Entertainment. Preparations for the tour began nearly two years ago.
In March Ridley participated in a live videoconference from the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame with future rodeo fans in Madrid, Spain, announcing details of the tour.
Remaining rodeos will be held in the following cities: Puerto de Santa María – Oct 10; Badahoz – Oct. 12; Logroño – Oct. 17; Pontevedra – Oct. 24-25. More information can be found at www.rodeoeuropetour.com and on the Rodeo Europe Tour Facebook page.
Miss Rodeo America Inc. and Tandy Brands Join Forces
PUEBLO, Colo. (August 21, 2009) — Miss Rodeo America Inc. has entered into an agreement with Tandy Brands Accessories Inc., as the official belt sponsor of Miss Rodeo America. Tandy Brands acquired Chamber’s Belt Company on June 9.
“Miss Rodeo America Inc., is looking forward to establishing a new relationship with the employees at Tandy Brands,” Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Inc. Executive Director said.
Tandy Brands will continue the partnership Chamber’s Belt Company had with Miss Rodeo America Inc., since 2006. In addition to the purchase of Chamber’s Belts the VF Corporation and the Chamber’s Belt Company have agreed to transfer both the Wrangler Mass and Western/Specialty belt licenses from Chambers Belt Company to Tandy Brands.
"The Wrangler brand is an authentic lifestyle brand that is highly regarded by both consumers and retailers," Rod McGeachy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tandy Brands, said in an earlier interview. "The Wrangler Mass and Specialty licenses will be significant additions to our license portfolio and exemplify the high quality, top-echelon brands with which we want to partner.”
Tandy Brands will outfit Miss Rodeo America and pageant contestants with belts as well as contribute financially to the organization. Tandy Brands affiliation with Wrangler aligns with the partnership between Miss Rodeo America and Wrangler.
“Wrangler is a long time supporter of Miss Rodeo America and its nice to have her wear as many Wrangler products a possible including belts,” Wadhams said.
Contact: DeAnna Power, Office Manager 719-948-9206
Miss Rodeo America Celebrates 55th Anniversary
PUEBLO, Colo. (July 27, 2009)— Miss Rodeo America, along with the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., is celebrating another milestone in the history of rodeo. Miss Rodeo America an American Tradition, is on exhibit at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as the organization prepares for the pageant where the 55th Miss Rodeo America will be crowned.
The exhibit is open to the public and features a collection of awards, clothing, boots and photos gathered from former Miss Rodeo America titleholders. A collage of photos of Miss Rodeo America 2009, Maegan Ridley, greets visitors as they enter the exhibit. The ambiance of royalty is displayed as guests navigate through, “A Royal Timeline,” spanning the length of one wall.
On display is a Blue Bell original suit made for and worn by the fist Miss Rodeo America, Marilyn Scott. The original Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold tiara made for Pat Koren, Miss Rodeo America 1965, is on display as well as a custom dress that resembles the tiara made for Amy Wilson, Miss Rodeo America 2008. The collection is a tribute to every young lady that has represented her state as each has dedicated themselves to the promotion and continuation of Professional Rodeo.
“We value our relationship with the PRCA and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, it is an honor to be included as part of this premier rodeo organization and to be celebrated through this exhibit,” Raeana Wadhams, Miss Rodeo America Inc., Executive Director said.
Miss Rodeo America Inc., is the organizing body of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant, which is held in conjunction with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The 2010 Miss Rodeo America pageant will be held at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Nov. 29 – Dec. 5, 2009. Nearly 30 young ladies will be vying for the title of Miss Rodeo America 2010, where they will be judged on horsemanship, personality, appearance, rodeo knowledge and presentation. Tickets will be available after August 15th at www.missrodeoamerica.com
Miss Rodeo America Inc. – An organization developed in 1955 striving to provide a quality Miss Rodeo America competition, enrich the lives of contestants and each year select a qualified young lady as Miss Rodeo America to serve as a goodwill ambassador promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Western traditions.
Contact: DeAnna Power, Office Manager 719-948-9206
