RodeoRoyalty.com

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Molly Tullis - Miss Days of '56

Molly Tullis is the 20 year-old daughter of Pam Kunze, and Dennis Tullis.  Molly is from Mapelton, Iowa and is a junior at Briar Cliff University majoring in music education.  She enjoys competing at rodeos in breakaway roping, singing, & playing the piano.  Her reign as 2011 Miss Days of '56 will be a tribute to her late step-father Myron Kunze, as he was an avid contestant in steer wrestling, and tie-down roping at the Days of '56 PRCA Rodeo in Ponca, NE until he passed away in 2009.

The Miss Days of '56 pageant is open to young women in Nebraska and Iowa who meet further entry qualifications.  The rodeo is held at the end of June and features some of America's most notable rodeo contestants and contract personnel. 

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Queens for Troops

Volunteering and giving back to the community is nothing new for most rodeo queens.  However, a group of Texas cowgirls have come together to give back to America's service men and women in a most unusual manner.  Queens for Troops was founded in February 2011 by reigning Miss Rodeo Texas Celesta Harvey,  Miss Houston Harris County Rodeo Teen Erica Lloyd and Army COL Karen Lloyd (retired).  Now Queens for Troops involves many Rodeo Queens, Fair Queens, and Beauty Queens who have joined together to say “Thank you to our Wounded Heroes” in a tangible way.

Queens for Troops will salute our military and help our wounded heroes by providing fun trail ride outings across the state of Texas and funding adapted homes for our severely wounded.  Queens for Troops has partnered with Helping a Hero which is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Houston and is the largest homebuilding organization in Texas for our severely wounded heroes.  They have no paid staff and the funds raised will go to help build homes for our wounded heroes injured in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

Helping a Hero has built homes in Houston, Fort Worth, Frisco, Waco, Beaumont, La Marque, Palacios, Jones Creek, Humble, Conroe, The Woodlands, San Antonio, Austin, Friendswood, Pearland, Katy, Sugar Land, and they continue to accept applications in the event you know of a wounded hero in need.  These homes have been built for paraplegics, quadriplegics, double amputees, triple amputees, double arm amputees, blind, burn victims, TBI, and severe PTSD.  And they have even done one home for a double amputee female soldier who lost her best friend and both legs when an anti-tank mine exploded under her HUMVEE while on a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan.

On July 20 Queens for Troops invites any current and former royalty to be on hand for a key presentation SSGTJeffery Vaughn, USA (Ret.) beginning at 11:00 a.m. in LaMarque, Texas.  Lauren Graham, reigning Miss Rodeo Texas, will beging the presentation by leading a parade to the home.  In addition to the ceremony a Bar B Que and family games will be held.

For more informaiton on how you can become involved in Queens for Troops, or perhaps you would like to begin a similar program in your state, contact Karen or Erica Lloyd through the Queens for Troops website.  Congratulations to these young  women for taking the initiative to begin such an endeavor that will leave a mark on our nation long after their reigns are completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos courtesy of Queens for Troops

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Kayla Honea, Miss Rodeo Range Riders

Kayla Honea is Miss Rodeo Range Riders 2010.  A native of Amarillo Texas, Kayla has been traveling this year representing Will Rogers Range Riders the oldest riding club in the United States. She is the daughter of Russell and Pamela Honea and is a graduate of Bushland High School where she was a varsity cheerleader, Association of the Future Farmers of America district officer, and a livestock evaluation team member. She has her Associates in Science from Clarendon College where she graduated with honors and plans to attend Texas Tech University in the fall and then to attend medical school to become a general practitioner in a small town. Kayla is a member of the livestock evaluation team, the reserve national champion meat science evaluation team, Vice president of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, a teacher’s assistant, administrative office assistant, elementary school literacy advocate, and an elementary TAKS tutor. She also volunteers at the Thomas E. Creek Veteran’s Hospital in Amarillo, Eveline Rivers Christmas Project Toy Run, and the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project. A cowgirl all her life she began competing in rodeo at age six and has been riding ever since. She was given a two year old colt as a high school graduation gift that was halter broke. She worked with the horse herself, now he is a finished out head horse for her and her grandfather to team rope with.  Kayla says that she loves the sport of rodeo because “it encompasses the values that she was raised with and lives by, which include strong family ideals, good moral standards, and the western way of life.” As the 2010 Miss Rodeo Range Riders Kayla will be entering the Miss Rodeo Texas pageant in June competing with ladies from all over the state of Texas for that coveted title and the opportunity to represent the sport of Rodeo and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

 

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Kara Hackney, Miss Beef Empire Days Rodeo 2010

Kara Hackney, Beef Empire Days PRCA Rodeo Queen 2010, is proudly living for Jesus! She is the daughter of Barbara Rupp and the-late Jerry Hackney. Growing up in western Kansas, Kara developed a passion for horses at a young age, and from that grew a passion for rodeo.

 Competing in rodeo pageants since she was eleven years old, Kara has held the titles of Plainville Rodeo Princess 2004, Ellis County Rodeo Princess 2004, Jayhawker Rodeo Princess 2006, Ellis County Rodeo Queen 2007, and Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas 2009. Promoting rodeo and the western way of life has become a true passion of hers. In the next few years, she hopes to earn the title of Miss Rodeo America and earn her PRCA card to be a ProRodeo photojournalist.

 Kara’s favorite places to be are on the back of a horse, behind a camera, and in the house of God. She hopes to compete in breakaway roping in the near future, but a busy schedule keeps her from practicing as much as she would like.

 Kara is currently attending Fort Hays State University and majoring in communication studies with an emphasis in journalism and minoring in agriculture. She has been on the Dean’s Honor Roll all through college, is a member of the rodeo club, where she holds the titles of journalist and photographer, and Christian Challenge. She also writes for the university’s newspaper. Kara has been chosen as a VIP Student Ambassador for the 2011-2012 school year, during which she will represent the student body at prestigious university events.

 Kara has been saved in the name of Jesus and is proud to say she has a relationship with her Savior, never taking a blessed day or a moment with others for granted. She hopes to glorify God through all that she does and bring honor to His name. After all, she isn’t just an ambassador for rodeo, but first and foremost for God!

To learn more about the Miss Beef Empire Days Rodeo Queen & Princess program visit their webpage.

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Jillian Albrecht, Little Miss Rodeo Missouri 2011

Jillian Albrecht, Little Miss Rodeo Missouri 2011, is the eleven-year-old daughter of Diane & Terry Albrecht from Green Castle, MO.  Jillian and her American Quarter Horse gelding, Amy’s Reflection, aka Cheater, travel throughout the state promoting the sport of rodeo and love of the western lifestyle at schools, expos, rodeos, horse shows, and other events as requested.

Jillian was crowned at the Miss Rodeo Missouri Pageant in August 2010 after competing in Horsemanship, Modeling, Speech, and Personal Interview.  Since then Jillian has had many terrific experiences including:  Presenting the American flag at horse shows throughout northern Missouri; helping at rodeos running flags, making queen runs, & turning back cattle during events;  making appearances at events, presenting a mini-seminar on “rodeo-queening”, mingling with attendees and signing autographs.  In early November, Jillian and Cheater presented the American flag during opening ceremonies of The Unbelievable Horse Happening at the American Royal, as well as showing.  The two then had the incredible honor or presenting the American flag during closing ceremonies at the AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City, OK.  Jillian and Cheater were also recently featured in an article in AQHA’s America’s Horse Magazine.

Jillian is in the 5th grade at Green City R-1 School, where she is on the Academic Bowl and basketball teams and the 5th & 6th grade band.  She is also an active member of the Green City   4-H Workers Club and was the 2010 Sullivan County 4-H Princess.  Jillian shows her horses at area and state circuit and 4-H shows and competes in Horse Judging competitions as well. 

During her reign, Jillian is looking forward to meeting fellow rodeo enthusiasts, sharing her love of rodeo, attending as many events as she can, and learning more about her favorite sport ~ RODEO!  As Little Miss Rodeo Missouri, Jillian is enjoying the opportunities she has to be an ambassador to her state and the rodeo, as well as a positive role model for others, by demonstrating good horsemanship, good sportsmanship, and a professional attitude.  She is planning to continue showing her horses, adding breakaway roping, team penning, sorting, and cutting to her list of accomplishments with Cheater.   In the future, Jillian plans to also continue with her Rodeo Queen career, hoping to earn the titles of Junior, Teen, and Miss Rodeo Missouri, then ultimately, Miss Rodeo America. 

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Kayla Barber, Miss Rodeo Lenox 2010

Winterset, Iowa cowgirl Kayla Barber is the reigning Miss Rodeo Lenox.  The daughter of Kevin & Teresa Barber she is a graduate of Winterset High School and is a freshman at Simpson College where she is majoring in accounting and a member of the volleyball team.  Kayla was active in volleyball, FFA, Pep Club and was also on the honor roll while in high school and remains active in her community by serving dinners sponsored by local businesses, helping with highway clean up near Winterset, instructing at youth volleyball camps and being a 5th grade Ag-day instructor.

Aside from spending time training for volleyball and working with her horses, Kayla enjoys spending time with close family and friends, and with her two dogs, Lily and Diesel.  Upon completing her degree Kayla hopes to pursue a job in an area of accounting in her home state where she can continue to be involved with helping her community and working with animals.  She looks forward to one day getting married and settling down to raise a family in the same country way of life she enjoyed living as a child.

The Miss Rodeo Lenox pageant is open to all young women residing within the state of Iowa and who meet other eligibility requirements.  For more information visit the Miss Rodeo Lenox website.

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Erica Lloyd, Miss Rodeo Houston-Harris County Teen 2011

Erica Loyd is the 17-year old daughter of Pat and Karen Lloyd of Seguin, Texas where she is in the 11th grade at Marion High School. Erica is in the national Honor Society, and placed in the top 5 at the state VFW Voice of Democracy speech competition.  Her goals are to become Miss Rodeo Texas Teen and someday Miss Rodeo Texas and Miss Rodeo America, to graduate from Texas A & M University and pursue a career in agricultural communication and secondary education. Her interests include competing in reining and Extreme Cowboy Races, volunteering at Saddle Light Therapeutic Riding Center, giving riding lessons and welding and metal fabrication. Erica has also trained a 3-year old BLM mustang.

Erica has competed in numerous pageants and earned several titles and honors including 2011 Miss Marion, 2010 Miss Rodeo Texas Teen First Runner-up (also winning the categories of Speech, Personality, Appearance and Photogenic), 2010 Miss Panola County Cattlemen’s Association (PCCA) (also winning the categories of Horsemanship, Speech Appearance and Photogenic), 2010 Miss Rodeo Austin Speech winner, 2010 Miss Rodeo Sandhills Teen (also winning the categories of Horsemanship, Speech and Congeniality). In 2009 she won Miss Rodeo Texas Teen First Runner-up (also winning the category of Photogenic), 2009 Miss PCCA –First Runner-up (and Photogenic), 2009 Miss Rodeo Nacogdoches- First Runner-up (and category winner of Photogenic and Congeniality), 2009 Miss Rodeo Sandhills Teen First Runner-up (and Photogenic) and in 2008 Guadalupe County Miss Round-Up (and category winner of Speech and Congeniality).

Erica is very hard working and determined young woman who is excited to represent the sport of Rodeo to a wide variety of audiences. She says “I love to speak in front of people and enjoy interacting with everyone. I am a Christian that holds true to my personal values and morals. I feel strongly about preserving our western heritage in every way possible because it is the best way for the next generation to have a positive role in our society.”    

If you are a current titleholder and would like to be featured in the Titleholder Spotlight send a short bio like the one above along with a photo with a copyright release and we'll see about featuring you.

Titleholder Spotlight ~ BreeAnna Olson, Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho 2011

BreeAnna Olson is a native of Salmon, Idaho and will be traveling this year representing the title of Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho 2011.  She is the daughter of Mark and Kim Olson and big sister to Koty and Dustin.  A freshman at Salmon High School, BreeAnna is a member of and secretary of the rodeo team, a member of the Junior Varsity Cheer Squad and an honors student.  She was nominated for the All American Cheer Team.  When not in school or on horseback you can find BreeAnna exploring the Idaho mountains and wilderness on 4-wheelers, making jewelry, and spending time with her family and friends.  She is employed by Caywood Photography and enjoys coming up with fun and crazy ideas for photos and can be found at many rodeos taking and selling rodeo photos.

A cowgirl at heart, BreeAnna’s love of the All-American sport began as a young girl as she helped her mother cool out one of her grandpa’s rodeo pick-up horses between the roughstock events.  As she grew up you could find her loping an old rope horse around barrels, following her grandmother around as she photographed rodeo action photos and cheering on her uncle as he rode broncs in the high school and college ranks.  She continues to cheer him on in professional rodeos and is proud to carry flags at rodeos and rough stock events.  You can also find BreeAnna pulling flank straps in the practice pen and working her three horses on the barrel pattern.

“Rodeo is not just a sport or an event in my family… it’s a way of life!   My family and friends have provided me with the horses to help me achieve my goals, the guidance to build my skills and the support so that I can continue to climb the ladder.  It is because of these wonderful experiences that I have chosen to become a rodeo queen and support this great way of life. The skills I’ve learned from the great people involved in rodeo and the equine industry have helped me become a success in the arena of life and for that I am ever grateful.”

You can follow BreeAnna along her journey by becoming a fan of the Miss Junior Rodeo Idaho 2011 Facebook page.  BreeAnna's photo is courtsey of Joyce Caywood Photography.

If you are a current titleholder and would like to be featured in the Titleholder Spotlight send a short bio like the one above along with a photo with a copyright release and we'll see about featuring you.

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Allison Harman, Miss Clements Stampede 2010

Allison Harman is thrilled to serve as Miss Clements Stampede 2010.  She is 19 years old and lives in Acampo, California with her loving family. She is currently a student, working hard to attain her goal of becoming a paramedic. Allison is your typical American cowgirl who always wants to be in the saddle.  She has two horses, Tucker and Cracker Jack, and together they enjoy competing at rodeos.

"For the next year, I will be blessed with the opportunity to wear the Miss Clements Stampede crown. The jewels, silver, and inscription represent so much more than a title, it represents the history of all the beautiful young women who have worn it before me. It represents rodeos, parades and cattle drives; hard work, dedication, radiant smiles, and the real western spirit that rodeo entails. Rodeo is not just an event; it is a way of life. Rodeo is the value of my handshake, the pride I feel when I hear the national anthem, and the responsibilities that I have learned. Please join me as we pay tribute to our nation and the sport of rodeo on September 9, 10, and 11 2011 at the Clements Stampede."

To learn more about the Miss Clements Stampede pageant please visit the rodeo's website.

If you are a current titleholder and would like to be featured in the Titleholder Spotlight send a short bio like the one above along with a photo with a copyright release and we'll see about featuring you. 

Titleholder Spotlight ~ Alysia McCormick, Miss Houston-Harris County Rodeo Princess

Alysia McCormick is the 10 year old daughter of Kristye Oates and Bill McCormick and granddaughter of Nancy Oates. Alysia is a Blossom Elementary School fourth grade honor roll student and is in the gifted and talented program. Alysia enjoys showing horses, raising chickens, reading, art, riding bikes and entering beauty and rodeo queen pageants. She is self-motivated and a goal setter. She loves to meet people, enjoys traveling and loves a good adventure.

Alysia has received many honors including: UIL Lone Star State Scholar Citizenship Award, Paris Rodeo & Horse Club 2008 1st Runner-up & 2009 4th Runner-up Princess, Hugo Oklahoma PRCA Rodeo 1st Runner-up Princess 2010. Additionally she received the Delta Roping & Riding Club Cooper Texas 4th Runner-up Princess, entered the 2010 North Texas State Fair & Rodeo Denton 2010 Princess Competition, Bois D Arc Bash 2009 & 2010 Jr. Miss Queen and Grayson County Fair Jr. Miss Queen 2010. Alysia is also a three-time Red River Horse Club Year-end High Point Youth Champion earning the title in 2002, 2007 and 2008.

Alysia says: “I enjoy competition, meeting new people and representing the two things I love- horses and rodeos. It is an honor to represent Houston-Harris County as the 2011 Miss Houston-Harris County Rodeo Princess.”

If you are a current titleholder and would like to be featured in the Titleholder Spotlight send a short bio like the one above along with a photo with a copyright release and we'll see about featuring you.