2009 Preliminary Pageant Recap

The weather cooperated with the Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant and we had a beautiful day as we welcomed the twelve contestants to Island Grove Regional Park on April 5. The early start, 7:00 a.m., was a stretch for everyone, but they were up for it. After the get acquainted time with our four judges, the girls began their personal interviews. While those were being held, the speeches began in the 4-H Building with Allison Munger Salo and Donna Juma judging on the speech topic, “The Greeley Stampede had over 450,000 visitors last year. Why?” Tara Spencer emceed the event and asked two media questions from their application immediately following their speech.

After a lunch served by the Cattlewomen’s Association, the contestants changed and then sold raffle tickets for a piece of Montana Silversmith Jewelry. They raised over $275 for the scholarship fund, with Rachel Kelderman selling the most tickets and receiving the prize. The Fashion Show followed with an impromptu question during the dressy outfit and a rodeo question during the casual outfit. Then it was on to the arena for horsemanship. Each young lady completed the pattern and finished it with a queen’s run. After horsemanship, everyone moved back to the 4-H Building to await the judges’ decision as to the finalists.

Meet the 2009 MRC Finalists

Audra Dobbs , 23, is a resident of Grand Junction, CO. She is the daughter of Ann Martin of Glenwood Springs. Audra graduated Valedictorian from Glenwood Springs High School and with Honors from Mesa State College. She is currently teaching 1 st grade and serving as a Reading Recovery Specialist with plans to pursue a masters degree in Education Administration. Her activities include participating in local gymkhanas and rodeos as well as the Frontier Belles Sidesaddle Club. Audra was the 1 st runner-up in the 2007 MRC contest and enjoys driving horse-drawn carriages, country dancing and target shooting.

Rachel Kelderman , 24, is the daughter of Larry and Sharon Kelderman and a resident of Erie, CO. She graduated from Northeastern Junior College with an Associates Degree in Production Ag and continued her education at Front Range Community College, studying photography. Rachel is currently working part time as a freelance photojournalist and full time with Rocky Mountain Clothing Company. She competed in college and Colorado Professional Rodeo and was 2 nd runner-up at the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant for 2008. Rachel enjoys sending letters and care packages to our troops along with making and selling jewelry.

Carly Koppes , daughter of Joseph and Connie Koppes of Greeley, is 22 years old. She will be a May, 2008 graduate of Aims Community College with future plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado and earn a degree in Communication. Carly has served as the Greeley Saddle Club Queen and presently is a Greeley Stampede Wrangler and a charter member of the Northern Colorado Riding Club. She received the Colorado Secretary of State Certificate of Achievement for the 2007 Elections and has earned a Second Degree Black Belt. Besides karate, Carly enjoys snowboarding, four wheeling and drawing.

Andie Lee , Castle Rock, CO, is the 21 year-old daughter of Gary and Rebecca Lee of Berthoud. She attended Front Range Community College and Laramie County Community College where she was a candidate for an Associate Degree in Equine Training and Management. Andie’s plans include obtaining certification as a veterinary technician and continuing to train horses, specializing in cutting and versatility ranch horses. She is presently employed by 8 th Heaven Farms where she is an instructor and trainer. Andie has served as the Boulder County Fair and Rodeo Queen and enjoys playing cards, dancing, and playing with her dogs.

Megan Odell , 23, is the daughter of Jeff and Stephanie Odell of Greeley. Her plans include graduating from the University of Northern Colorado in the fall with a degree in Social Science. She plans on continuing an internship with Capitol Strategies, a lobby group at the Colorado State Legislator. Megan has worked with Geoff Morris Quarter Horses and Gibs Performance Horses and won 6 th place at the APHA World Congress Show in open reining. She has served as the Durango Fiesta Days Queen as well as the Colorado State High School Rodeo Queen. Her hobbies include skiing, sketching, wood work and painting.

Kasie Pigg , daughter of George and Lisa Pigg of Pueblo, is 20 years old and a junior at Texas Tech University. She intends on graduating with a degree in agriculture communications and is currently a Texas Tech Marketing and Communications Intern. Kasie is a member of the Southern Colorado Horseman’s Association and served as a Texas Tech University Agriculture Ambassador and also the Colorado FFA Association State Reporter. She was the Colorado State High School Rodeo Queen and finished in the top 10 at the National Contest. She includes reading, swimming, diving, and working on the family farm as hobbies.

Amy Spinuzzi from Pueblo West, is the daughter of Ken and Tracy Spinuzzi and is 20 years old. After graduating with honors from Pueblo West High, she now attends Colorado State University-Pueblo majoring in English and Spanish and plans to become a teacher upon graduation. Amy participated in 4-H and the West Pueblo Saddle Club for ten years, including serving on the royalty court. She also participated in Colorado High School Rodeo and served as the Colorado and National High School Rodeo Queen. Hobbies for Amy include scrap-booking, reading, camping and four wheeling.

Jennifer Workman resides in Masonville, CO with her parents, Linda and Jonathan Workman. She is 22 years old and will be graduating this spring from Colorado State University with a Technical Journalism degree after participating in several marketing/communications internships. She has participated in the rodeo management of the CSU Skyline Stampede and was a Miss Rodeo America Pageant Publicity Committee Member. Jennifer was involved with 4-H for 9 years and served this year as the President of the Agribusiness Association at CSU. Hobbies include running, biking, hiking and photography.

Final pageant schedule that is open to the public  

June 25

5:00 pm Introductory Dinner $25; Reservations required by June 20. 970-356-1757-Nyla Bristow

June 26

8:30-11:30 am Horsemanship-Saddle Club Arena FREE

June 27

1:30-3:00 pm Speeches Island Grove 4-H building

June 28

9:30 am Brunch/Fashion Show/Coronation at Island Grove 4-H Building $25 for adults, $12 for children under 8 Reservations required 970-353-0191 by June 15