Laramie Schlichtemeier is Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2017.

The Ogallala woman was crowned Wednesday night during the first performance of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.

Following four days of competition, Schlichtemeier won the categories of horsemanship, speech, personality, photogenics and congeniality.

Carly Woerman, of North Bend, won the appearance and written test categories and earned the title of first-runner up. She will fulfill the duties of queen if, at any point, Schlichtemeier is unable to do so.

A Rising Star award was also given this year. It went to Leanna Gubbels, of Laurel.

Schlichtemeier’s prizes include thousands of dollars in scholarships (including a two-year, renewable full tuition scholarship to Mid-Plains Community College), a tiara, a saddle, a buckle, chaps, tack and jewelry, among many other items.

She will remain a lady-in-waiting until January. That will give Emily Taylor, Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2016, time to compete at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant at the end of this year.

Schlichtemeier’s job until then will be to prepare for her reign and fill in at rodeos, parades and other events Taylor is unable to attend.

Schlichtemeier attends Chadron State College. She plans to graduate in December with a degree in business administration and an emphasis in agri-business.

“My career goal is to have a positive impact on farmers, ranchers and the people who have chosen one of the most important career fields in the world,” said Schlichtemeier. “I am leaning toward pursuing a position as an agricultural loan officer in a financial institution. In that role, I feel I can help expand and further develop a dynamic and crucial industry for future generations.”

Schlichtemeier loves anything that has to do with horses, hunting, fishing and Nebraska attractions and also enjoys volunteering for community service projects. Her parents are Jeff and Shari Schlichtemeier.