Tara Graham, a resident of Loveland, Colorado, is the forty-sixth young lady to earn the distinct honor of becoming Miss Rodeo America.
A 23-year old graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Speech Communication, Tara also holds a Secondary teaching license. Tara was first runner up in the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant in 1998 and 1999 before winning the title of Miss Rodeo Colorado 2000.
Therefore, she realizes the trail to becoming the "first lady of professional rodeo" is a very competitive one that requires dedication and passion for the sport of professional rodeo.
Tara was crowned 2001 Miss Rodeo America on December 2, 2000 in Las Vegas, from a field of 30 exceptional contestants, each representing their respective states at the 46th Annual Miss Rodeo America Pageant, held at the fabulous Flamingo Hotel.
These young ladies, ranging in age 18 to 24, take to heart the job of representing America's number one sport. They are first cowgirls and athletes in their own right who have the knowledge of their sport and the gift of communication to educate the public and raise the awareness level about professional rodeo and its related industries such as agriculture, western apparel and entertainment.
"I anticipate a very busy year and look forward to the challenge of meeting new people; young and young at heart, from all walks of life. Hopefully, I will have a positive influence on their lives."
"It's part of my responsibility to educate and provide information to the public about professional rodeo, encourage people and their families to attend their local rodeo and in so doing, making sure they are well versed on the uniqueness of the sport and how it relates to our heritage and western lifestyle."
Following her reign as Miss Rodeo America 2001, Tara plans to utilize the $10,000 educational scholarship, made possible through the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation, to further her education by attending law school and specializing in equine law.