Hometown Blessings

I cannot believe that is has been two weeks already since I started my journey as Miss Rodeo USA! Time is flying by and I know this year will too! Since coronation in Oklahoma City, I was able to come home and start preparing for my Coronation Fundraiser. It has been crazy (fun) around here visiting people, places, and sponsors. One of the first things I did when I arrived back home, was take some time to go visit the Mayor of Madisonville, Kentucky. I also made other stops to visit the Judge Executive, local sponsors, and met as many people as I could!

Coming from a non-rodeo town, it has been exciting to tell everyone what Miss Rodeo USA is. What better way to do that than do school visits?! I have had so much fun visiting schools and watching the students walk in to find someone standing there in a hat and “pretty jewelry” as they call it! To watch their faces light up and eyes fill with excitement has truly been a blessing to me. I’m learning that the community, students, and little children love to hear about all aspects of rodeo and it is amazing to be a role model for them. As part of my school visits, I like to give a little insight to what happens in a rodeo. I encourage students to get involved by asking questions, participating in the pony races, and voicing what they focus on and aspire to become.  

In the past two weeks, I have also attended community meetings, dived further into becoming more involved with my community, and worked to plan my coronation fundraiser. It was just last night, February 4th, that my ceremony was held. First of all, thanks to all my sponsors, family, and friends for helping to make this event happen and be successful. In attendance, there were 120 supporters there to participate in the evening fun. A meal was provided by the amazing Brother’s BBQ of Madisonville, and entertainment was by Chris Knight! Knight is also from my little town of Slaughters, Ky and it was great to have him provide the music for the evening. After the music, we had a little live auction fun and auctioned off some wonderful cakes and desserts! Most were donated by Sissy’s Café which was voted best dessert in town! Overall, the evening was wonderful and I am so thankful for the support that everyone has showed me.
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As for the future, I am already planning to head back to Oklahoma this week and couldn’t be more excited to meet sponsors and have a little fun doing photo shoots! This journey has just begun and I can’t wait to make the most of it representing the IPRA!  ​