With a smile as warm as the Arizona desert,Amanda Jenkins of Gilbert, AZ, wears the Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold tiara as the 2006 Miss Rodeo America.
The 23-year-old senior at Arizona State University is earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Mass Communication and Education. With the opportunity to represent and promote the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Amanda is getting an early start on her dream job to educate the public about the sport of rodeo. Miss Rodeo America serves the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in a promotional capacity. She will travel thousands of miles and appear at many pro rodeos and related events during her reign.
With her scholarship award, Amanda wants to continue her post-graduate education. Upon completing her reign as Miss Rodeo America, she plans to earn a Master’s Degree in Education.
The daughter of Joe and Julie Jenkins, Amanda has spent her life raising, training and competing on horseback. Following her mother’s advice to “try everything on horseback,” Amanda’s equestrian background began during childhood in 4-H and includes team penning, horse showing and high school rodeo, in which she participated in barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying.
Today, Amanda continues to barrel race competitively in specialty circuits, rodeos and horse shows sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association. Recently, she added the sport of cutting to her set of skills.
Amanda is an all-American beauty, standing 5’8” with blonde hair, blue eyes and a friendly smile make her a favorite with children and adults alike. She enjoys spending her free time exercising, scrapbooking, being outdoors and working with the youth.
"I wish to share my passion of rodeo with the youth of America," says Miss Jenkins. "I hope to inspire leadership through teamwork and an understanding of our western inheritance."