Ashley Andrews, Miss Rodeo North Dakota, Earns Miss Rodeo America 2007 Title
After a challenging year that included defeating cancer, Ashley Andrews, formerly Miss Rodeo North Dakota, topped off 2006 with another win of a lifetime, becoming the First Lady of Professional Rodeo. Andrews emerged from a field of 28 fabulous contestants as she was crowned Saturday afternoon, December 2, 2006 at The Orleans Hotel showroom by Amanda Jenkins Miss Rodeo America 2006.
She was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in January 2006, immediately following an appearance as Miss Rodeo North Dakota at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. After receiving treatment, Andrews was given a clean bill of health before competing at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas.
A 21-year-old senior at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, Andrews studies communications, public relations and political science. Upon graduation she would like to enter the field of public relations in the area of agriculture or cancer research.
A statuesque beauty at 5'8", Miss Andrews has blonde hair, brown eyes and a genuine, heartwarming smile. She is the youngest of six children to Bob and Rita Andrews. They are residents of Bowman, ND.
With her new national title, Andrews is carrying on a successful rodeo queen career that began when she served her state as North Dakota High School Rodeo Queen in 2001.
"Opportunity is often missed because it's dressed in overalls, disguised as work," Andrews said in a media conference following the coronation ceremony. "This achievement definitely required some work but I recognize what an opportunity it is to serve as Miss Rodeo America."
The new Miss Rodeo America will be introduced on horseback at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) Sunday evening, December 4, 2006 at the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas. Miss Rodeo America 2006, Amanda Jenkins of Gilbert, AZ, will fulfill her role as the first lady of professional rodeo by appearing at the 2006 Wrangler NFR throughout the remainder of the week. The 48th annul Wrangler NFR runs daily now through December 9, 2006.
Upon the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, Miss Rodeo America 2007 will kick off her year long reign of service representing and promoting the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) worldwide by appearing first at the Denver Western Wear Market ad World Championship reception at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO, both events in January.
Among her awards is a $10,000 educational scholarship to the college or university of her choice, a wardrobe of Wrangler jeans, Justin boots, Bailey hats, a silver trimmed saddle by Court's Saddlery, her official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths, and she will wear the uniquely designed Black Hills Gold tiara, provided by Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations. These items, along with a multitude of other valuable and exquisite prizes will be presented to her throughout the year. In addition to earning the title, Andrews was awarded another $1500 scholarship for winning the pageant's Personality division, and a $500 scholarship for earning the Speech award.
Primary sponsors of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant include Wrangler Jeans, Las Vegas Events, Inc., American Quarter Horse Association, Justin Boot Company, Dodge Trucks Bailey Hat Company, Montana Silversmiths, Absorbine, The Orleans Hotel, Dallas Market Center, Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Hobby Horse Clothing Company, Curt's Saddlery, Buck's Bags, Wells Fargo, Chambers Belts, Morris Kaye and Sons and Stone Horses.
For more information on the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and how you can compete as a state titleholder, become a volunteer or support the organization and Scholarship Foundation visit http://www.MissRodeoAmerica.com.
