Miss Rodeo Wyoming Pageant

Miss Rodeo Wyoming
Pageant History...

Compiled by Laurie Thoman, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, 1994

A legacy of cherished memories, hopes and dreams all began in Casper, Wyoming in 1955. The first Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant was held during the Casper Nite Fair and Rodeo. That initial contest consisted of fourteen entries. According to Marilyn Scott Freimark, (who took home the title of Miss Rodeo Wyoming that first year), competition was keen and the rodeo contractor furnished each contestant with a horse. New horses were drawn each round. At the crowning ceremony, movie actor, Rex Allen, presented Marilyn Scott with the crown. Laurie Ann Hayes from Thermopolis was the runner-up.

Following the Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant was the first ever Miss Rodeo America of the Rockies contest. It was also held in Casper, Wyoming. Soon after the competition, the title was shortened to "Miss Rodeo America," as it is known today. The Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) voted to establish the contest as an annual event. During the first year of the Miss Rodeo America pageant a set of fifteen judges were selected, five in each division, from all over the United States and even France. Silent judges were dispersed throughout the audience.

The 1955 MRA pageant had nine contestants representing eight states of the Rocky Mountain Region and Canada. Marilyn Scott, Miss Rodeo Wyoming, was selected as Miss Rodeo America to hold the title for the remainder of 1955 and the year 1956. She represented Wyoming in the Miss Universe contest where she was offered a contract with Paramount Pictures and a TV series contact starring Casey Tibbs and Marilyn as the King and Queen of Rodeo. Although she declined the part, feeling school was the place for her, she sated that she always wonders about the road not taken.

Since the beginning of the Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant and the Miss Rodeo America pageant in 1955, Wyoming is proud to say that we have had four young ladies bring home the title of Miss Rodeo America: Marilyn Scott Freimark, 1955; Sandy Meyer Brazile, 1984; Stacey Talbott Sinclair, 1992; and Michelle Green, 1994. Both pageants have continued to grow and develop from their solid beginning. Each year a new young lady is selected to help promote and preserve our western way of life and America's number one sport - Rodeo.

The Douglas Sorority, a women's service organization, had a major role in organizing the Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant for many years. Members provided chaperones, meals, housing and transportation for the contestants. Paper work, publicity and planning for the pageant was also handled by the Sorority to benefit the community through their scholarships and other civic projects. The Douglas Sorority turned the pageant production over to the MRWA in 2008.

It was not until 1977 that the Miss Rodeo Wyoming Association was formed. Some original members include Dedee Merritt and Arlene Kensinger. Arlene is a past president of the Miss Rodeo America Association. Wyoming has continued to have on of the best associations in the United States. Our organization helps delegate funds that the queen raises at her coronation each year, a scheduling coordinator sets up appearances and many major sponsors help make dreams come true.

Several prizes and awards have been given over the years. Lou Taubert's Ranch Outfitters donated trophies that varied in height from one to five feet tall. Crowns ranged from leather to jade, all of which winners kept as a memento. Today's winners will receive a $1500 scholarship, a trophy buckle and saddle, a silver platter, chaps, serape, a commemorative bracelet and numerous other items. Awards are also given to first and second runner-ups, horsemanship, personality, appearance, speech and photogenic winners. Pageant contestants choose Miss Congeniality and a Scrapbook winner.

The individual beauty of the Wyoming Jade Crown stands out in any crowd and is very recognizable. The Miss Rodeo Wyoming crown holds a history all its own with the special memories of the young girls who grew into beautiful ladies in just one year under its spell. It has warmed the hearts and touched the souls of many. It has been a guiding star on the darkest nights to those who have needed hope and inspiration. The crown hold such precious prestige and honor to each Miss Rodeo Wyoming who has had the honor to place the crown on her hat.

Past Miss Rodeo Wyomings

* Selected as Miss Rodeo America
** Selected as top 5 at Miss Rodeo America
*** Selected as top 10 at Miss Rodeo America

This group of ladies represented past Miss Rodeo Wyomings
at the 2006 Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant.

Pictured are, back row: Linda Lamb Kraft (1966), Lael Wilhelm Good (1971), Marilyn Scott Freimark (1955), Maggie Engels Myers (2005), Jayne Scott Chambers (1989), Wendy Corchaine Long (1969) and Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns (1963).
Front row: Laurie Thoman (1994), Amy Jo Hubbard Farella (2004), Kerin Castle Clark (1997), Jeana Welsh Allen (1998) and Kellie Tysdal Tavegie (1999).

Past Miss Rodeo Wyomings at the 2011 pageant.

Pictured are, back row: Crystal Rivers Myers (2007), Brittany Richards (2011), Arlene Kensinger (founding member of MRWA), Laurie Thoman (1994), Kelli Tysdal Tavegie (1999)
Front Row: Stacy Jo Johnson Berger (2008), Erin Heffron (2010), Stacy Talbott Sinclair (1991), Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns (1963)

2012 Miss Rodeo Wyoming Contestants

	Bailie Allshouse Miss Cody Stampede As a second generation Cody native Miss Cody Stampede 2011 Bailie Allshouse is the perfect model of the western way of life and the sport of rodeo. Growing up in Cody Wyoming the Rodeo Capital of the World offers all young cowgirls the opportunity of a life time. Bailie started competing in the Cody Nite Rodeo at the young age of 5 years old and has been an active part of the rodeo scene since. Bailie is a vital part of the Mo Betta Rodeo Company and the Sankey Pro Rodeo Company flag barriers and grand entries, she has held the honor of Stampede royalty starting with Junior Princess in 2006 and Senior Princess in 2008. Bailie is attending Northwest College where she is currently a member of the Northwest Trapper Rodeo team and plans to continue her education in the field of ag business at the University of Wyoming. Bailie’s future will always consist of breaking and training young horses with the ultimate goal of competing on a professional level. She also enjoys piano, dance, softball, swimming, basketball, and volleyball. Bailie’s platform is “Stay on Track and Shake Off the Dust” and believes that, “Focusing on the things that go right, professionalism, and having an attitude of gratitude, appreciation, and humility are keys to Staying on Track and Shaking off the Dust”. She hopes to spread insight, inspiration, and appreciation for the sport of rodeo. Rodeo, our western heritage, there’s nothing like it!
	Desiree Bridges Miss Teton Co. Fair & Rodeo Desiree is not a Wyoming cowgirl by birth, but by choice. Born a California girl and raised between there and Venezuela, she grew up with her dad's tales of riding bulls with Gary Leffew and her mother's stories of childhood trips to Jackson. Her heart belonged to the horses and Wyoming. At age 9, her dream came true and she moved to Jackson with her mom and brother. From Horse Warriors to working for Terry and Randy at the Puzzleface Ranch, the wonderful people of Teton County pointed Desiree toward her dream. Finally, she had horses of her own; Lil Jet, Fancy Pants, Dulce, and a stepfather, a roper, who loved horses as much as she did. Along the way, Desiree found time to participate in other activities. She excelled in drama, utilized her bilingual gift in assorted jobs, and stood out in her studies. Desiree also competed in alpine ski racing and was proud to be named the 2009 High School All-State Girls Champion. Desiree is now a junior at the University of Wyoming where she competes on the Equestrian Team in Western riding. Her focus now is on representing Teton County in a way that will demonstrate her love and pride for her home and validate the faith so many have put in her hands. As Miss Teton County Fair and Rodeo, Desiree hopes to be a positive role model for children, as she follows the motto "when odds are one in a million, be that one!"
	Holly Kennedy Miss Laramie Jubilee Growing up on Wyoming’s windswept plains, Holly Kennedy learned at a young age that with hard work, dedication and active engagement she could achieve anything she dreamed. Whether it was in the one room school house she attended in her youth or at the University of Wyoming, Holly has been an active participant in promoting agriculture. Celebrating the past, present and future of agriculture, Holly is active in 4-H, FFA, Collegiate Horseman’s, Collegiate Cattle Women’s and the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers. She was honored in 2010 to represent Wyoming at the American Farm Bureau National Collegiate Discussion Meet where she went on to finish in the “Sweet Sixteen.” As varied as the terrain of the isolated ranch where she was raised, Holly’s interests include hunting, fishing, snowboarding, photography, sewing, horse judging, showing sheep, riding mules and horses. She is an old hand of the rodeo arena participating in pole bending, barrel racing, breakaway roping and team roping. She credits her parents, Kelly and Alexa Kennedy, for instilling in her the confidence to always Stand Up for what she believes in; Stand Out to make herself and her issue known; and Speak up about her beliefs. Holly encourages everyone to Stand Up, Stand Out and Speak Up about what is important to you.
	Kimberly Kuhn Miss Sheridan WYO Rodeo Proud to be representing the Sheridan-WYO Rodeo, Kimberly Alexis Kuhn, a fifth generation ranch owner in Johnson and Sheridan counties, and the Big Horn Mountains, has been blessed to be raised a Wyoming Cowgirl. Kim achieved her bachelor of science from the University of Wyoming in Agriculture Business with a minor in Finance. While at UW, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, SPURS Honorary, Ag Ambassadors, UW Rodeo Team, and recipient of the National Western Stock Show Scholarship. Kim is a member of Wyoming Rodeo Association, Mile-Hi Barrel Racing Association, Cowgirls of the West, and Big Horn Basque Club. She was honored to serve Cheyenne Frontier Days as Miss Frontier 2009, and a leader of the CFD Dandies. Kim has earned her Gold Congressional Award and was commencement speaker at her high school graduation. She worked as a Student Page for the 59th Legislative Session and earned the Y.E.S. Award. Kim held many leadership positions in FFA, DECA and was a Varsity member of the Golf and Dance teams. She was also awarded the FFA Area Star in Agricultural Placement Award, and enjoys breakaway roping, running barrels, singing, golfing and spending time with her family. Kim is full of life, always offering a warm hug, and a friendly smile; she believes a stranger is a friend she has not yet met. Kim cannot wait to continue promoting the sport of rodeo for the state of Wyoming with class, integrity, beauty, and grace.

Little Miss Rodeo Wyoming Pageant

The Little Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant will be held August 16th in Douglas, Wyoming.

This pageant is open to girls ages 5-12 who are interested in participating in a dance with the
Miss Rodeo Wyoming contestants as well as introducing themselves and answering questions.

Registration is $50 before August 1st.

This includes a Little Miss Rodeo Wyoming t-shirt, a pageant program, ticket to the speech and
modeling portion of the Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant, autographs from the current MRW and contestants.

If you are interested in entering a little girl into the Little Miss Rodeo Wyoming pageant,
please email Stacy for a registration form at kyleandstacyberger@yahoo.com or call Stacy at 307-760-6354.

2012 Miss Rodeo Wyoming Pageant Entry Packet

For the convenience of Miss Rodeo Wyoming contestants we have a portion of the entry packet available for download below. PLEASE NOTE: This is not the complete application packet. If you are planning to compete for Miss Rodeo Wyoming, please contact Laurie Thoman-Hernandez (llthoman@hughes.net or home 307-877-9336 or cell 801-231-7041) for a complete application packet to be mailed to you. Not included below are three contestant releases, contestant letter, sample MRW contract, complete rulebook and other information.

RULEBOOK - Partial 2012

APPLICATION - can type on document and print a hard copy to turn in, please do not alter format, and limit to two pages.

AP INFO AND AUCTION INFO - including deadline, entry fee, auction information

AD PRICE SHEET FOR MRW PROGRAM - feel free to make additional copies for selling ads

AD GRAPHIC STANDARDS/FILE FORMAT

PAGEANT SCHEDULE

RSVP FOR BBQ AND LUNCHEON

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