The Miss Rodeo America Organization is made up of over 100 volunteers who believe in the value of the program and who wish to see the pageant experience continue to grow and improve for future contestants. Aside from the Executive Director position held by Raeanna Wadhams and the position of office manager held by Deanna Power, the planning and execution of the pageant is done solely by volunteer workers. Former contestants and Miss Rodeo America titleholders play a vital role in this process.
Many of the current National Directors were previously contestants in the pageant and four of the current Executive Board members were also state or national titleholders. In addition to titleholders, many parents and family members also continue to contribute their time and talents to the organization.
Karie O'Donnel reigned as Miss Rodeo Washington and currently serves as the National Director for her state program and sits on the Executive Board. "I stay involved because I believe in the program and the values and heritage it promotes. Rodeo queen pageants have helped to shape my life and to mold me into the persona I am today. To now be able to help young ladies realize their dreams is very rewarding and gratifying. In addition, the friends I have made through pageants and this organization are the best that a person could ever ask for."
Blog editor Bobbie (Ward) Hinds took a break from her rodeo queen involvement following her reign as Miss Rodeo Kansas. It wasn't until she moved to Iowa that she became involved with the Miss Rodeo America system again. She has been involved as the Iowa National Director for 7 years and has served on several Pageant committees. "I know without my pageant experience I wouldn't be the woman I am today. It wasn't always an easy road but it was very much a time in my life for great personal growth. I owe much to the Miss Rodeo Kansas and Miss Rodeo America pageants, and have been blessed to know some of the best of the best through my involvement."
Not all volunteers are contestant alumni, some are parent 'alumni'. While they themselves did not compete for the title their daughter's did and their experiences also add to the rich pool of talented volunteers. Gayle Bradford Plackmeyer's daughter Alyssa reigned as Miss Rodeo Texas 2007. This is her first year to attend the MRA Pageant as a parent alumni. She was responsible for creating the embroidered cloths placed on the state tables to identify each state and has been helping in several areas. When asked about her involvement she said, "I continue my involvement because I believe in this organization and its positive impact on young women. I have seen my daughter grow and the opportunities she has been given as a result of the Miss Rodeo America Organization."
On Friday night 20 alumni members had an opportunity to get to know the class of 2009 during the first Alumni Pizza Party. Jo Beth Stewart competed in the 1966 pageant as Miss Rodeo Texas and is now involved as a chaperon. She and her fellow alumni enjoyed getting to know the current royalty while enjoying a relaxed meal. The event was sponsored by The Rancher's Daughter - Jason & Jeana Allen of Mitchell, NE and Gayle Bradford Plackemeyer of Friendswood, TX.
