Good to be queen

Staff Writer

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Pomp and pageantry fit for a queen took center stage during Friday’s Miss Rodeo New Mexico fashion show, speech and coronation at Clovis Community College’s Town Hall. Contestants vied for the titles of Little Miss Rodeo, Miss Rodeo New Mexico Teen and Miss Rodeo New Mexico

Staff photo: Kevin Wilson

Kyla Myers of Clovis gives her speech, “So God Made a Cowboy,” during the Miss Rodeo New Mexico competition Friday at Clovis Community College’s Town Hall. Myers was crowned as Miss Rodeo Elect New Mexico and will compete in 2017 for Miss Rodeo America.

during the festivities.

Chasity Russell claimed the Little Miss Rodeo New Mexico crown, with Maxine Manzanares garnering runner-up honors.

The 2016-17 Miss Rodeo New Mexico Teen title was captured by Deanne Guthrie while Michaela Corn was 1st Runner-up.

The 2017 Miss Rodeo New Mexico-elect is Kyla Myers, 19, a Clovis resident who attends New Mexico State University.

“I have been dreaming of becoming Miss Rodeo New Mexico since I was eight years old,” said Myers, who is a member of the NMSU equestrian team. “It’s a privilege that few get to hold and I understand the commitment that it takes.”

As the new Miss Rodeo New Mexico-elect, Myers will receive, among other prizes, a $1,000 Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant, Inc. Scholarship, a trophy saddle, the Miss Rodeo New Mexico Perpetual Crown, a custom belt buckle, custom chaps, a Miss Rodeo America membership and paid entry ($400) into the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in 2017.

In addition to the trio of crowns awarded, the pageant bestowed the Top Hand Award (to the contestant that generates the most ad funds) and Horsemanship Award (to the contestant who obtained the most points from the judges in the horsemanship competition), with both going to Guthrie.

Miss Rodeo American Katherine Merck, Miss Rodeo New Mexico Staci Trehern and Miss Rodeo Arizona Alanna Hamilton shared Mistress of Ceremonies duties, providing the audience with varied insights with regard to the spirit of competition, commitment, compassion and dedication to the effort to enhance the sport of rodeo.

“Congratulations, girls, you did a fine job and everyone’s very proud of you,” Trehern said at the conclusion of Friday’s event. “You all have bright futures and I hope none of you give up on this journey. It’s a life changing experience and we’re so excited for you. So go out there and tackle the world while remembering you’re not here to play the game — you’re here to change it.”

Miss Rodeo New Mexico Pageant Director Wilma Fulgham extended kudos to the contestants’ families and the team that assembled the event.

“We would like to thank the parents for allowing your daughters to spend time with us,” she said. “We’re excited about their futures and their potential to do great things, so thank you for allowing us to be a part of that. And it really takes a dedicated team that wears multiple hats to produce this wonderful event and I’m so thankful for our committee and board.”