Event raises funds for local rodeo queen
BRAWLEY — In a little more than one week, Cailee Roper, her horse and various members of her family will take to Gillette, Wyoming for the National High School Rodeo Association Finals.
The 17-year-old punched her ticket to Wyoming earlier this month after she was crowned the 2017 California High School Rodeo Queen in Bishop.
The Brawley resident is the first Imperial Valley teen to take to the national arena and will do so with the strong support of her family and community.
On Thursday night, a fundraiser was held at Stockmen’s Club here in honor of Roper in an effort to help cover the cost of the national event.
“It’s been so amazing how much the community has helped,” said Roper of the support she’s received since winning the state title. “It’s jawdropping. It’s very humbling.”
Roper said her hometown and fellow community members will definitely be on her mind when she begins competing against 47 other contestants from several states and provinces beginning July 14.
“I’m really happy to be able to represent Brawley, my district and my state,” she said. “I want to be able to show other girls that this is something they can do.”
Roper said she first fell in love with the rodeo and competing for a crown when she won the 2013 Brawley Cattle Call Teen Queen title.
“I just loved the opportunity of getting to represent my community in that way,” she said.
Since then Roper has gone on to win back-toback District 8 titles and of course most recently, the state title.
At the state rodeo finals, Roper claimed the top spot in six of the eight categories to win the crown.
When Roper was continuously announced as the winner in the different categories, she said it was sinking in that she’d won the crown.
“I just kept thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh,’” Roper said with a laugh. “I did get a little emotional when they called my name.”
Helping Roper with her in each of the title victories was former Brawley Cattle Call Queen and Roper’s cousin Alexis Chalupnik.
“I help her with her modeling, impromptu questions, speech and appearance,” said Chalupnik, who will be in attendance at the national finals.
Additionally, Roper credited Jana Earls, her horse training, for her guidance and support.
For community that wasn’t able to attend Thursday’s event, there are still ways to support the local rodeo star in her quest for a national title.
A Go Fund Me account has been set up for Roper and will remain open until July 10.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/ miss-chsra-cailee-goes-to-nationals