Contestants have been announced for the Miss Rodeo Nebraska and Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska competitions June 14-17 in North Platte. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the annual Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant. Trying for the title of MRN is:
Emily Taylor
Emily Taylor, 24, is the daughter of Rick and Karen Arkfeld of Battle Creek and Mark Taylor of Colorado. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism and an emphasis in advertising and public relations.
While at UNL, Emily was a member of the English and western equestrian teams and was active in both the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club and Abel Residents Association.
She plans to use her degree to pursue a public relations career in a major agricultural – based company, such as John Deere or Monsanto.
“Agriculture is near and dear to my heart,” said Emily. “I want to utilize the skills I have acquired to be an advocate for the industry and way of life that helps feed the world.”
As a first-generation cowgirl, Emily wants to encourage people from all backgrounds to become educated and more engaged in rodeo.
“I want to inspire all I come in contact with to embrace who they are,” said Emily. “Growing up in an area where rodeo isn’t prominent, I know how difficult it is to stay true to yourself when something you like isn’t popular or in style. I used my faith, family and friendships gained through rodeo and ag organizations to build my confidence and embrace my uniqueness.”
The Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska contestants are:
Eva Oliver
Eva Oliver, 17, is the daughter of Chuck and Stacie Oliver, of Merriman. She will be a senior at Cody-Kilgore High School this fall.
Eva is a student aid and is involved in volleyball, basketball, FFA, sandhills leadership, one-act plays, speech and Cowboy GRIT, a student steering committee. GRIT stands for growing, revitalizing, investing and teamwork.
Eva’s hobbies include riding colts, playing sports, reading, helping with small fry basketball and spending time with family and friends.
After high school, Eva plans to attend the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. She would like to achieve an associate’s degree in veterinary technology with minors in artificial insemination and animal nutrition. Her goal is to one day work at a local vet clinic that focuses primarily on cattle.
“I would like to be Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska so that I would be able to travel around the state and not only share my love for rodeo, but also my passion for agriculture,” said Eva. “I would have the amazing opportunity to inspire young girls about the historical sport of rodeo and Nebraska’s phenomenal agriculture system.”
Jenna Langer
Jenna Langer, 17, is from Superior. Her parents are Jody and Larry Langer, and she has one sister, Lacey.
Jenna will start her senior year at Superior High School this fall. She is active in FFA – as the chapter sentinel, drill team, Student Council, Community Service Club, cross country, archery, drama and journalism. She has been on the honor roll for the past three years.
When not involved in school activities, Jenna can be found working on 4-H projects. She is president of both the Webber Wide Awake 4-H Club and the Jewell County Saddle Club and is a member of the 4-H Council and Jewell County Junior Leaders.
Jenna is also a member of the Superior United Methodist Church where she serves as the youth advisor for the Ad Council. In her free time, Jenna enjoys barrel racing, trail riding, working on the family farm, gardening and running.
After graduation, she plans to attend a university and study agriculture education with the goal of one day becoming an agriculture teacher or extension agent.
Jenna said she would like to be Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska so that she could educate people about the sport of rodeo and serve as a positive role model for children.
“I want to inspire kids in the same ways that other rodeo queens inspired me,” said Jenna.
Taytum Dickman
Elwood is home to 17-year-old Taytum Dickman. The daughter of Jedd Dickman and Amanda Snyder will be a senior at Lincoln North Star High School in the fall.
Taytum is part of the newly formed Lincoln North Star Young Political Club, where she serves as treasurer. The club spreads awareness about legislative updates and aides candidate elections.
Taytum also participates in student athletic training throughout the fall and winter seasons, helping the main trainers with injured athletes.
Her extracurricular activities include: volunteering, spending time with friends and family, running, baking and helping with her family’s ranch.
Taytum is involved in 4-H where she shows horses, cattle, pigs, fish and has completed many home interior and baking projects. She has been president of the Gosper County 4-H club, The Jiffy Juniors, for three years.
Taytum plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology and eventually start her own veterinary practice.
Joeli Walrath
Joeli Walrath, 16, is the daughter of Jamie and Jaci Walrath, of Ashton. Joeli will be a senior at Loup City High School this fall.
She loves being outdoors, riding her horses, painting and cooking. Other interests include Nebraska High School Rodeo, cheerleading, dance, Student Council, National Honor Society, FFA and 4-H.
Joeli is a lifetime youth member of the American Quarter Horse Association and is a member of St. Francis Church.
When she isn’t in the arena, she enjoys visiting schools and talking to students about rodeo and the western way of life.
Joeli has developed the RO.P.E. Program to educate children about having a healthy approach to life. RO.P.E. stands for Respect, taking Ownership, being Proud – yet humble and always reaching for Excellence.
Her future plans are to attend college, become a veterinarian and raise a family on a ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills.
Joeli aspires to be Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska so she can combine her love of rodeo and the RO.P.E. Program with representing the state she loves and sharing the western heritage with everyone she encounters.