During the Wednesday night fashion show the first inductees to the Miss Rodeo America Hall of Fame were introduced. Committee chair Sherry Smith began the ceremony by announcing the formation of the Hall of Fame. The first inductees are well-deserving individuals who have both made positive impacts on the Miss Rodeo America program. Mr. Bill Hervey and Ms. Arlene Kensinger were honored, and humbled, by the announcement.
Mr. Bill Hervey, affectionately known as "Mr. Wrangler", has provided support for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant for several decades. It was through his efforts that Wrangler made a $30,000 donation to Miss Rodeo America to start the scholarship fund. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship fund.
Mr. Hervey worked his way up through the ranks at Wrangler. Although he's been retired for several years he continues to maintain an office at Wrangler's headquarters in North Carolina. He and wife Hoppy have raised four sons and enjoy traveling together.
Ms. Kensinger has served in numerous capacities with Miss Rodeo America. She currently serves as the scheduling coordinator for both the outgoing and the newly crowned Miss Rodeo America's during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In 1997 and 1998 she served as President of the Miss Rodeo America Executive Board.
Arlene has spent time as both a trick rider and a professional water ski show performer. She was instrumental in the formation of the Cheyenne Dandies and has worked with the Miss Rodeo Wyoming program. In 1997 Arlene lost her leg in a tragic water skiing accident. Not one to let anything get her down she was soon up and at it again, volunteering her time to many activities. She and husband Don were instrumental in the formation of the Arlene Kensinger Blood Center in Cheyenne. Arlene is a member of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame as well as the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame. Her dedication to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant is evidenced through her efforts to document the fifty year history of the pageant in the form of seven scrapbooks.
It was during a mid-year meeting of the Miss Rodeo America Board of Directors that Ms. Smith developed the idea of the Hall of Fame. During the introductions of board members, delegates and members of the National Advisory Council Ms. Kensinger simply introduced herself as 'a nobody'. A committee was formed to develop a set of criteria for inductions and the award itself was designed. Each inductee will receive a crystal statue in a diamond shape etched with the recipients name, year of induction and the Miss Rodeo America logo. The diamond represents the beauty and strength of those chosen for this prestigious award.
We are proud to honor these two individuals for their dedication to America's premiere Miss Rodeo Pageant. Photos from the event are available at http://www.ShooterEnterprises.com.
