RAPID CITY, SD — Five young women
will compete to the title of Miss
Black Hills Stock Show® and Rodeo 2015 will be held Saturday,
Jan. 31 in Rapid City, S.D. The five contestants will be judged on
personality, appearance, horsemanship, personal interview, riding ability,
speeches, modeling, media interview and answering of impromptu questions.
The contestants will
be interviewed by the judges starting at 8 a.m. Following at 11 a.m. will
be the speech and modeling portion at the Journey Museum Theater, which is open
to the public. The Black Hills Stock Hills Stock Show Queen Committee invites
visiting rodeo queens to attend this event to be introduced. Following the
speeches and modeling, contestants will compete in the horsemanship competition
at 2 p.m. at the James Kjerstad Event Center at the Central States
Fairgrounds. The public is welcome to attend the horsemanship event.
Nikki Boomsma, Miss
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo 2014 will crown the winner during the
Stockman’s Banquet and Ball at the Best Western Ramkota on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The Stockman’s Banquet & Ball begins at 5 p.m. and the coronation
will follow the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation Western Art Auction. Tickets
for the banquet can be purchased at the Black Hills Stock Show office in or online
at www.blackhillsstockshow.com.
Miss Black Hills Stock
Show & Rodeo is an ambassador to South Dakota's official state sport,
Rodeo. She will travel the state promoting rodeo and the Black Hills. This
pageant prepares many young women on their journey to the title of Miss Rodeo
South Dakota.
Meet this year’s
contestants:
Sonyah Clifford
Greetings, Black Hills
Stock Show and Rodeo fans! I am Sonyah Clifford, the 22-year-old daughter of
Shane Clifford and Misty Brave. Rockyford, S.D., is where I call home. I am an
enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I am a 2011 graduate of Red Cloud
High School. I am currently a student at Black Hills State University, where, I
am majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in both Management and
Marketing. My love for the sport of rodeo and the western way of life has
opened many exciting doors for me. I am the former Miss Indian Rodeo 2013. I
also had the privilege of being a 2014 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Flag
Girl. My present door is led by my passion to become Miss Black Hills Stock
Show 2015!
Monica Fowlkes
Small town dreams
become big time reality for Monica Fowlkes of Aladdin, Wyo. She is the daughter
of Larry and Terry Fowlkes and the youngest of four children. In the spring of
2014, Monica graduated from Hulett High School as class valedictorian.
Throughout high school she was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, student council,
FBLA, basketball, and track. Her journey to become a veterinarian began in the
fall of 2014 at Casper College. Currently, she is an active member of the Ag
Club along with the Fitting and Showing Club. Monica is a fourth generation
rancher and is proud to represent the western way of life. She would like to
thank Hersruds of Belle Fourche for the sponsorship and for those who have
supported her in following her goals.
Stephanie Gruener
Stephanie Gruener is
the daughter of Steve and Deb Gruener from Brandt, S.D. Stephanie attended
Deuel High School and stayed active by participating in debate, volleyball,
basketball, softball, and 4-H. After high school, she attended South Dakota
State University and received a degree in Agricultural Business and a minor in
Equine Studies. While at SDSU, Stephanie was a scholarship athlete and served
as a member of the Rodeo and Equestrian Team. Upon graduation, she was offered
a position with Aerotek in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she now resides. Stephanie
continues her rodeo queen experience after serving as Miss Jackrabbit Stampede
Ambassador and Miss Rodeo Corn Palace Queen.
Shamee Merkel
Shamee Merkel is the
24-year-old of Ross and Amanda Merkel and Kim Merkel of Ellendale, N.D. She is
currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing through Northern State
University in Aberdeen, S.D. She is passionate about the western lifestyle. She
loves participating and competing in rodeo queen pageants. Her favorite event
of the competition is the horsemanship competition. She is dedicated to learn
all that she can about good communication and horse handling skills and the
horsemanship class allows her to test herself. She spends many hours riding and
training to learn how to bring out the best in every horse that she handles and
rides. She has become deeply rooted in Aberdeen, S.D., where she works hard to
serve her community through her work that allows the patrons a special moment
of the western atmosphere through their dining experience at Maverick’s Steak
and Cocktails.
Carrietta Schalesky
Carrietta Schalesky is
the 21-year-old daughter of T.W. and Faye Schalesky. She has a sister Gail and
brother Jacob. The family ranch 45 miles southeast of Bison, S.D., is where she
calls home. She currently attends South Dakota State University as a junior to
pursue a degree in Animal Science-Business and Production. Carrietta and her
sister hope to build a veterinary clinic in their home community after
completing college educations. Carrietta hopes to one day have a ranch of her
own or take over the family operation to raise Charolais and Angus cattle,
Rambouillet sheep and purebred Quarter Horses. Carrietta enjoys working
livestock on the family ranch, training horses, singing, photography, sharing
her love of agriculture with others, and spending time with family and friends.
She would like to thank her sponsor, Schalesky Livestock of Faith, S.D.
Carrietta wishes the best of luck to all participants and hopes all visitors
and guests have a great time at the Black Hills Stock Show.