Heart-Pounding Excitement Worth Hard Work

Queen co n tes tan t McKenna James is 19 years old from Colcord, Okla. She is the daughter of Misty and Jason Martin. She just graduated from Colcord High School. McKenna graduated on the A and B Honor Roll with perfect attendance. She received Livestock Judging All Around, Top Sales winner, and Most Active in her FFA Chapter. She was also on the 4-H Honor Roll.

“My horse and I have been everywhere. We have learned to team rope and breakaway, run barrels, poles, flags, and goat tying,” McKenna said. “I have also used him when being a pick- up man. I have been riding since I was old enough to hang on by myself.”

McKenna has competed in barrels, poles, flags, parades, relay races, roping of all sorts, horse shows, western pleasure, and cutting. She has been a Rhinestone Cowgirl as part of a horseback drill team and competed in rodeo royalty contests.

“My family has been in rodeo for many, many years. I started barrels whenever I was little and I enjoy being around horses and love the outdoors. Rodeo is my life style.”

“I would be honored to receive Miss Lincoln Rodeo for many reasons. I love to be around people. I would fulfill every job that was assigned to me in any way possible. I would give a hundred percent every time. I would hope to receive on how to become a better leader and to show everybody that we can do whatever we put our minds to.”

Queen contestant Courtney Bilderback is 23 years old from Tontitown. She is the daughter of Johnny Dollar and John and Michelle Bain. Courtney plans to acquire a career in equine physical or massage therapy or interior design.

“I have been riding since I was 16 years old, so about eight years total. My horse RockStar is 17 years old and stands 14.3 hands high. He is a bay quarter horse who has been nothing but amazing in all the things I or anyone gets on him to do,” Courtney said.

Courtney is a member of the Regulators Precision Drill Team and was a member of the Rhinestone Cowgirls for two years prior.

She also competes in Lincoln Riding Club play days.

In addition to horse related activities, Courtney enjoys painting, camping and outdoor activities, shooting guns, video games, dancing, boating on the lake and floating on the river.

She was a band member for seven years including sweepstakes band for two years.

She re c e i ve d the outstanding student award, solo and Ensemble Le, medals five No. 1s and one No. 2.

She played the flute and did color guard for two years. Courtney played softball where her team placed first in recreation league, third in district, and attended state competitions. She received the Kiwanis Leadership Medal.

“Rodeo has been a part of my life since I was a child only able to sit in the stands and watch,” Courtney said. “Once I joined a drill team and was able to be a part of the events I realized I want nothing more than to make the crowd happy and can’t wait to come back. The enjoyment I get out of being in the arena and heart pounding with excitement makes all the hard work and stressful moments worth it.”

“As all children do, they dream of growing up and becoming something amazing. My dream was to grow into a woman who I can without a doubt be proud of. Being Miss Lincoln Rodeo would help me further my dream by giving me the opportunity to do for my community and association. I am hard working and love to help others in anyway that I can. “

Being creative and a self- motivator are traits Courtney truly takes pride in having. She loves coming up with new ideas and ways to make things easier, better, and overall more effective for everyone.

“I want to make a difference and set the bar high for what can be accomplished when you set your mind to something.”

“I want to be the best role model I can because in the end it is the actions taken that people will remember the most, not the words that were spoken, Courtney said.

ß“Attending community events and town festivities are how I plan on achieving my goals.”

“I want this experience to broaden my knowledge and leadership skills. I want to be challenged and most of all become a better, stronger version of the woman I am.”