Miss Rodeo America 2008 Pageant

A Day in the Life of a Chaperone

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a chaperone for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant?  They were k ind enough to share a bit of what it's like with me, during one of the contestant's rehearsals.

There are seven Chaperones:  Rita Carey, Kay Dennis, Jo Beth Steward, Clemie Jo Lamb, Chris Williams, Barb Williams, and Deborah Dilley.   Each day, two chaperones are assigned the "wake up" chores - knocking on contestant's doors to make sure they are up and awake...5:30am.  After that, it is a lot of planning and organizing - they do all of the thinking ahead so to make sure that the girls can get where they need to be in a timely manner.  Prior to each event, the chaperones try and give them an idea of what they'll be doing, what to expect, what they can bring with them... so the contestants will feel at ease.  Throughout the day they facilitate delivery  & pickup of items such as gifts, clothing, and other necessities between the contestants and their families.

In the event that a contestant should feel sick during the Pageant, the chaperones make sure that the parents are notified, and a doctor is on call should the need arise.  While the chaperones do not give out any medicines, they'll certainly make sure that a parent or director can be in touch with the contestant so they can get what she feels she needs.  Chaperones say that as the week goes on, the incidences of illness become greater, as the girls start to get run down.  (As well as the Chaperones!) 

What has been the biggest change over the last 10-20 years from their perspective?  The fellowship among the contestants.  Because of today's technology and the travel schedule the girls have, most of them already know each other by the time they arrive at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.  They have developed friendships and they form bonds that will last a lifetime.

The best part of being a Chaperone?  One said because it is getting together with the other Chaperones - that they keep in touch through the year and look so forward to getting together for the Pageant.  Being a part of something big.  As Barb pointed out, it is a huge sacrifice of time, but well worth it.  It's obvious, even after a few minutes in their company, that this group definitely has a strong bond.  I begged them to tell me some interesting stories... and lest I suffer retribution, I can only repeat this one: 

The first year that Clemie Jo was a chaperone, she was trying so very hard to make sure she was doing a good job and being helpful for the girls.  At one time there was a gal who would steam the girl's hats but she wasn't there so that duty fell to the Chaperones, who did have a steamer in one of the rooms.  As it turned out, as Clemie is making the rounds, one gal needs her hat shaped.  So, Clemie goes to the room where the steamer is to turn it on, and she fills it with water, then goes about her rounds while it's warming up.  Well, in about ten minutes she returned with the hat, ready to steam it, and upon entering the room, found the "steamer" spitting a stream of water onto the carpet!  Apparently... the reservoir was already full when she filled it!!!   

The most challenging?  All agreed it was the schedule...  the logistics involved with getting that many girls organized and on time and where they need to be... figuring out the best route to take to get there... and every year there are always changes to the schedule so there is always something new to figure out.

The Chaperones have pretty much seen it all over the years, and they offered some advice for me to pass along for the contestants who will be coming along.

• Be yourself.
• Be physically prepared.
• Be very well rested when you get here and be on a good vitamin program.
• Be prepared to have FUN!
• Enjoy the moment and remember it's a once in a lifetime experience.  It's not the end of your life if you don't win.
• The girl who wins is the one who consistently does well throughout the entire pageant.
• Focus on each individual event and when that event is over, start focusing on the next event.

This story was submitted by blogger Jody Rempel.

Miss Rodeo America 2005 Pageant Results

Selena Ulch, Miss Rodeo Nevada, has been crowned the fiftieth Miss Rodeo America.  During a coronation performance in the showroom of The Orleans Hotel and Casino, PRCA Announcer of the Year and guest emcee Bob Tallman called her name.  She is the second Nevadan to hold the title, following in the footsteps of Pam Martin Minick, Miss Rodeo America 1973.  For her efforts she will receive a $10,000 educational scholarship plus numerous other awards.  Miss Ulch was also honored with the Speech Award as well as the Appearance and Personality Category Awards.

Runners-up are as follows:

1st- Allyson Swan, Miss Rodeo Idaho

2nd - Tamara Clause, Miss Rodeo Arizona

3rd - Jessica Melvin, Miss Rodeo South Dakota

4th - Tanya Harvey, Miss Rodeo Texas

Special recognition was given to the following contestants:

Photogenic - Allyson Swan, Miss Rodeo Idaho

Miss Congeniality - Heather Clark, Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania

Horsemanship - Allyson Swan, Miss Rodeo Idaho

Eastern Region Scholarship - Lacie Stockstill, Miss Rodeo Mississippi

Central Region Scholarship - Lindy Quaney, Miss Rodeo Nebraska

Western Regional Scholarship - Kaydee Nelson, Miss Rodeo Utah

Raeana Wadhams Spirit Award - Jessica Melvin, Miss Rodeo South Dakota

Rounding out the top-ten finalists were Candra Allison, Miss Rodeo New Mexico, Amy Jo Hubbard, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Melissa Forester, Miss Rodeo Oregon, Candice Carper, Miss Rodeo California, and Kaydee Nelson, Miss Rodeo Utah.

Both Selena and reigning Miss Rodeo America Darci Robertson will make an appearance at this evening's performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.  During the remaining week of rodeo action, both young ladies will promote the rodeo and take part in many of the ongoing activities in Las Vegas.  Miss Ulch will travel the nation as Miss Rodeo America, making appearances at rodeos, with sponsors and at a host of other events to promote rodeo and the Western lifestyle it represents.

Look for more information regarding the coronation to follow.  Photos of the event can be seen later at http://www.ShooterEnterprises.com.

Fashion Show Rocks Around the Clock

The highly anticipated Miss Rodeo America Pageant Fashion Show was once again full of energy and surprises.  In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Pageant the theme was "Rock Around the Clock". 

Master of Ceremonies Tim Fuller, wearing sunglasses and sideburns, began the evening by introducing the judges.  Reigning Miss Rodeo America Darci Robertson, escorted by MRAI President Bronc Rumford, sang the National Anthem.  Kristy Davis of Utah presented the invocation.  Guests enjoyed a steak dinner followed by an ice cream and cookie dessert.  The cookies were iced in white and embellished with the Miss Rodeo America logo.

Entertainment began with Darci Robertson, Lori Bortner, Brandy Dejongh and Tara Graham doing a skit to "Freddie, My Love".  In the skit Darci became Raeanna, and was wearing a WNFR Contestant jacket.  The three girls were dressed in sleepwear provided by Wrangler and were very inquisitive as to the status of Raeana's relationship with Freddie.  She then sang "Freddie, My Love".  Darci also did a swing dance number with Wade Agin to finish out the segment.

It was then time for "Dancin' at the Diner" featuring the twenty-six Miss Rodeo America 2005 Contestants.  Dressed in Wrangler sponsored jeans and shirts the contestants were divided into two groups for their dance number.  To start the show the contestants were wearing their Wrangler jeans rolled up with their Keds-style tennis shoes, scarves in their hair and sunglasses from the era.  They danced through the crowd and then began their group dance numbers.

The first group of contestants to dance included Tamara Clause (AZ), Cassidy Reid (CO), Kate Kennedy (FL), Allyson Swan (ID), Ashley Cooper(KS), Lacie Stockstill (MS), Lindy Quaney (NE), Candra Allison (NM), Lacey Stubblefield (OK), Melissa Forester (OR), Heather Clark (PA), Kaydee Nelson (UT), and Meghanne Davis (WA).

The second group consisted of Jessica Stanford (AL), Jackie Woosley (AR), Candice Carper (CA), Megan Wiemold (IA), Julie Gemmen (MI), Kim Willer (MO), Sarah Wilkins (MT), Selena Ulch (NV), Amanda Schaff (ND), Jessica Melvin (SD), Rachel Wiseman (TN), Tanya Harvey (TX) and Amy Jo Hubbard (WY).

Eeach group danced to a montage of music from the '50's.  One group used hula-hoops in their routine. 

Surprise guest entertainers were provided by Wrangler.  Darryl Singletary, David Kersh and Rhett Atkins joined together on stage for a half-hour session.   Each had his own guitar and they were accompanied by an acoustic guitar player.  Guests were entertained with both song and banter between the entertainers.  Also providing entertainment sponsored by Wrangler was cowgirl singer Joni Harms of Oregon. 

Escorts for the evening fashion show were Phil McAdams, President of Wrangler, Karl Stressman, Director of Special Events and Marketing for Wrangler, and Butch Morgan of 'Western Horseman'.  Each contestant was introduced alphabetically and took her walk down the runway.  She finished her walk by meeting Karl Stressman and pulling a '50's themed question from the bowl.  They were mainly multiple choice and generally had a pretty obvious answer.

In a special ceremony, Sherry Smith announced the formation of the Miss Rodeo America Hall of Fame and first inductees Mr. Bill Hervey and Ms. Arlene Kensinger.  Both are well-deserving of the honor for the many years of service they have provided to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

To finish out the fashion show reigning Miss Rodeo America Darci Robertson came riding in on a midget funny-car in a pink rhinestoned jumpsuit.  Following the final introductions of contestants, Darci came back on stage to take her walk as the reigning Miss Rodeo America.

Committee members were led by Kiki Shumway (WA), along with co-chairs Linda Ebest (TX) andShannon Snow (GA).  Tara Graham (CO) was lead choreographer and was assisted by LauraLyn Kofford and Casey Balding.  Other committee members included Kaye Wyrick (NC), Kelly Phillips (NC), Marjorie Murphy (TX), Ina Ginsberg (AZ), Jim Peer (UT), Judy Gill (LA), Stephanie Crop (OR), Cindy and Red Wilk (SD), Sheri Arkoosh (FL), Laura Kessler (FL), Suzanne Ratliff (NE), Lori McKettrick (FL), Jeana Allen (NE) and Kristy Davis (UT).

Thank you to event sponsos Red Wilk Construction, Miss Rodeo Utah Pageant, Jack Daniel's, and Five Star Rodeo - Troy Weekley.  Table sponsors included Wrangler, Red Wilk Construction, Arlene Kensinger, Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation and Friends, Justin Boot Company, Texas, California, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Oklahoma, Nevada, Stevie Beehler, Miss Rodeo America Pageant Friends, Fans and Executives, Shumway Farms and Miss Rodeo America's Family.

Once again the Miss Rodeo America Pageant wishes to thank Wrangler for providing Wrangler jeans, blouses, sleepwear, active wear and poodle skirts for the Miss Rodeo America Pageant contestants; to Resistol for providing Resistol Hats; to Justin for providing Justin Roper boots and to Cripple Creek for providing commemorative 50th Anniversary leather jackets to each Miss Rodeo America contestant.

Cowboy Christmas Auction Raises Record Amount

Following breakfast and the final speech session and lunch at the Rio Hotel sponsored by the Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee, contestants traveled to the annual Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  Each brought a state-themed item to auction for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation Fund.

To start off the event previous titleholders Shelly Williams, Mary Shaw, and Brandy Dejongh showcased a case of commemorative 50th Anniversary Wine.  Auctioneers Rodney Bergkamp of Abbyville, KS and Joni Nash, Miss Rodeo Georgia '01 started the bidding.  Following her reign Joni used her Miss Rodeo America Congeniality Award scholarship to attend auctioneering school and is currently attending college in Oklahoma.

A record amount of money as raised through the auction.  $19,000 was added to the Foundation fund, with additional items being donated by Cowboy Christmas vendors and others in order to meet the record amount.  The highest selling item was brought by Amy Jo Hubbard, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, and was an autographed guitar, CD, and photo from Wyoming performing artist Chris LeDoux.  The winning bid came in at $2,300.

Following the auction contestants and their families enjoyed browsing and shopping at Cowboy Christmas.  Contestants then had dinner sponsored by the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant and attended the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo compliments of Las Vegas Events, Inc.

Round Three of Speeches

Contestants and others enjoyed the annual Chaperone breakfast this morning at the French Market Buffet.  The seven Miss Rodeo America chaperones have over seventy years of service to the Miss Rodeo America Pageant and each year sponsor the Friday breakfast.  Each took a few minutes to speak and to share with the girls their thoughts on the value of the contestant's experiences as their state's queen and the competition.  All agreed that although only one was going to go home as Miss Rodeo America they were all winners.  They encouraged them to remember that when the crown was placed on her hat tomorrow, she was still the same girl they had traveled together and spent the week with.

This morning the final eight speeches were presented by Candice Carper (Miss Rodeo California), Megan Wiemold (Miss Rodeo Iowa), Lacey Stockstill (Miss Rodeo Mississippi), Amanda Schaff (Miss Rodeo North Dakota), Heather Clark (Miss Rodeo Pennsylvania), Tanya Harvey (Miss Rodeo Texas), Julie Gemmen (Miss Rodeo Michigan) and Ashely Cooper (Miss Rodeo Kansas).

Darci Robertson, reigning Miss Rodeo America, related stories of her reign between each speech.  She finished the day with the recitation of a poem about 'rodeo queen time'.  Candice Carper's grandmother took home the Montana Silversmith jewelry set and the Absorbine pack went to Arizona.

First Miss Rodeo America Hall of Fame Members Inducted

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.

State Table Awards Announced

The Miss Rodeo Nebraska state table has earned the Miss Rodeo America 2005 State Table award.  For their efforts they will receive a plaque and rosette sponsored by Nancy and Al Ayers of Arizona.  Receiving honorable mention were the Miss Rodeo Texas and Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageants.  They also received a plaque and rosette.

President's Luncheon Includes Impromptu Questions

The annual President's Luncheon was held today at The Orleans Hotel and Casino.  Sponsored by the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Miss Rodeo Mississippi Pageant, the event included twenty-seven former Miss Rodeo America titleholders along with the Current Event Impromptu Question portion of the competition.

Emcee Tim Fuller began by introducing guests at the head table.  Bronc Rumford, current President of the Miss Rodeo America Executive Board, along with his wife Kate and his mother Lola were on hand.  Past presidents in attendance were Ken Cross (Utah, 1973 and 1974) and wife Bev, Judy Gill (Louisiana, 1991 and 1992), Jim Sutton (South Dakota, 1995 and 1996) and wife Julie, Arlene Kensinger (Wyoming, 1997 and 1998), Sharon Halligan (Nebraska, 1999 and 2000) and husband Halligan, and Marjorie Murphy (Texas, 2001 and 2002).

Representing the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo was Junior Miss Dixie National Rodeo and Ellen Morgan, State Delegate for the Miss Rodeo Mississippi Pageant, represented the pageant.  Other guests introduced included Emily Aldredge, National High School Rodeo Queen, Kelli Jackson, National Little Britches Rodeo Association Queen, Lynsey Reed, National Little Britches Rodeo Association Princess, and Jim Shoulders, 16-time World Champion Cowboy and Wrangler endorsee, along with his wife Sharon.

Ms. Lola Rumford gave the invocation and guests enjoyed a roast beef and steamed vegetable lunch.  Everyone in attendance received a Mississippi themed gift at their chair.  Mr. Red Wilk presented Fiftieth Anniversary pendants to Arlene Kensinger, Kiki Shumway, Hoppy Hervey and Zona Vig for their continued support of the pageant.

Contestants answered their current event questions in a pre-determined draw.  Instead of drawing a question from the bowl, each drew a name of a previous Miss Rodeo America.  Each held a current event question that they then asked of the contestant.  Three examples include:

* Do you think Americans should be able to purchase prescription drugs from other countries using prescriptions from American doctors?  Why or why not?

* Do professional sports team strikes serve their purpose as a negotiating tool, or do you view them as merely a way for players to increase their salaries?  Do you believe strikes by professional athletes serve their purpose?

* Should wealthy criminals be forced to pay for the cost of their incarceration  or would that be discriminatory towards the rich?  Support your answer.

After answering their questions the contestants were off for an afternoon of horsemanship/rodeo knowledge interviews and coronation practice.  Look for photos of the event at http://www.ShooterEnterprises.com later today.

Executive Board Members Named

During the annual President's Luncheon, outgoing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. President Bronc Rumford recognized the outgoing and incoming MRA Executive Board.

Leaving the board from her advisory position is Lori Bortner, Miss Rodeo America 2003.  Arlene Worley was recognized for her term of service as well.

New members and officers are as follow:

President - Kiki Shumway (Washington)

Executive Vice President - Tracy Damrell (Colorado)

First Vice President - Carol Grencevicz (Arizona)

Secretary Treasurer - Karie O'Donnell-Jones (Washington)

Member - Sue Lynn Perry (Tennessee)

Member - Tara Graham (Colorado)

Member - Jim Peer (Utah)

Member - Sherry Smith (Arizona)

Member - Jeana Allen (Nebraska)

Advisory Member - Bronc Rumford, Outgoing President (Kansas)

Advisory Member - Darci Robertson, Outgoing Miss Rodeo America (California)

Round Two of Speeches

Contestants, judges and chaperones were treated to breakfast at the French Market Buffet this morning by John and Cheryl Draper, Marjorie Murphy and the Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant.  Mrs. Draper addressed the contestants and wished them good luck.  Each received a handout entitled "Are You a Strong Woman or a Woman of Strength?".  Reigning Miss Rodeo America Darci Robertson presented the Drapers an appreciation plaque from the Miss Rodeo America Pageant.

Contestants presenting speeches today were Kaydee Nelson (Miss Rodeo Utah), Lacey Stubblefield (Miss Oklahoma Rodeo), Cassidy Reid (Miss Rodeo Colorado), Ali Swan (Miss Rodeo Idaho), Kim Willer (Miss Rodeo Missouri), Tamara Clause (Miss Rodeo Arizona), Jessica Stanford (Miss Rodeo Alabama), Sarah Wilkins (Miss Rodeo Montana) and Rachel Wiseman (Miss Rodeo Tennessee).

Darci Robertson once again related stories of her reign as Miss Rodeo America between each speech.  Door prizes were drawn and the Montana Silversmith set went to Mrs. Willer of Missouri and the Absorbine gift tote went to Mr. Stubblefield of Oklahoma.

This morning's speech session, held in the Showroom of the Orleans Hotel and Casino, was sponsored by Tom House of Video II Productions, the official videographer of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. 

Look for photos from this morning's competition later today at http://www.ShooterEnterprises.com.