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Sunday, 06 December 2009 |
 Submitted photo/SDN Kelli Jackson of Eupora was crowned as Miss Rodeo America 2010 in Las Vegas and will make her first formal appearance today at the Wranger National Finals Rodeo. By BRIAN HAWKINS
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LAS VEGAS — Eupora native Kelli Jackson has been crowned Miss Rodeo America 2010.
Jackson, competing as Miss Rodeo Mississippi, on Saturday became the first Mississippian to win the title of Miss Rodeo America. She will spend the next year representing Miss Rodeo America, Inc. and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, traveling more than 100,000 miles to events across the country.
“I am an enthusiastic rodeo fan and spirited competitor; the sport of rodeo encompasses not only my dreams, but also my passion. As Miss Rodeo America, I will offer a welcoming glimpse of the western lifestyle and the sport of rodeo to our nation,” Jackson said in a statement Saturday.
Jackson will be introduced as Miss Rodeo America 2010 at the fourth performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo today in Las Vegas.
Jackson will formally succeed the 2009 Miss Rodeo America, Maegan Ridley of Alta Loma, Calif., in January as she begins appearing at r odeo events across the nation.
“I’m looking forward to promoting professional rodeo and the Miss Rodeo America organization in its entirety from coast to coast,” she said.
After winning the Miss Rodeo America crown, Jackson thanked her family for encouraging her to dare to dream and believing in her.
“My family provided a strong foundation and it’s all of you have taught me to fly,” she said.
Jackson holds a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from Wheaton College and has a goal of attending Duke University to pursue a master’s degree in public policy with an agricultural development focus.
At the end of her reign as Miss Rodeo America, Jackson will receive a $10,000 scholarship.
Other prizes she wins as Miss Rodeo America include a wardrobe of Wrangler Jeans, Justin Boots, Bailey Hats, fully tooled Court’s Saddle with custom Miss Rodeo America conchos and an official Miss Rodeo America trophy buckle from Montana Silversmiths.
In addition to the perpetual Miss Rodeo America tiara made by Landstrom’s Original Black Hills Gold Creations, Jackson was awarded a wardrobe of matching jewelry.
Contestants for Miss Rodeo America were judged in the major categories of horsemanship, personality, and appearance, competing in the areas of public speaking, personal interviews, modeling, photogenic and rodeo/equine knowledge.
In addition to the $10,000 scholarship she wins as Miss Rodeo America, Jackson also won an additional $3,500 in scholarships for winning the speech award, personality category and appearance category during the competition.
Jackson also placed fourth in the scrapbook competition.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 07 December 2009 )
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