April 22nd - 25th 2026

Since I was a little girl my favorite part of the rodeo was watching the rodeo queen ride around and wave at all the smiling kids who wanted to be just like her. I knew from an early age that when I was a senior I wanted to be right where she was. The rodeo has been a big part of my life ever since I was born. I actually have pictures of myself as an infant with the rodeo clowns Quail Dobbs and Leon Coffee who use to entertain the crowd each year while also protecting the cowboys in the arena. My dad is in the Lions Club and was even president at one point. My dad's position allowed me to see the rodeo in a whole new light. I got to stay after the rodeo for clean up, the dances outside, and I got to meet all of the final acts and participants of the rodeo. Each year, I couldn't hide my excitement when it was announced that "the greatest show on dirt" was headed to Lufkin. I knew how much preparation and hard work went in to putting on this event. My involvement does not just stop at my dad though. My aunt used to tell me stories of things she got to experience and how her life was impacted serving as the Angelina County Rodeo Queen back in 1982. My grandfather was heavily involved with the rodeo as the manager of the exposition center and also participated in the Angelina County Mounted Patrol back in the day, entertaining the crowd for years with their famous figure eight pattern. More importantly though, I got to see how much the Rodeo committee was able to give back to the community from the proceeds of this annual event. Whether it was purchasing 4- H & FFA kids projects at the County Fair or supporting local teachers and community grant applications that were submitted each year. Well, 2026 is finally here and I am a senior at Lufkin High School which means that it is my year to join in. It would be an honor to represent the Angelina Benefit Rodeo and the people who put it on as their queen. I love my community and the people I have gotten to meet while volunteering everywhere I can. I have volunteered at Red Ribbon Rallies in elementary and primary school, field days, multiple church projects, animal shelters, and food banks. Volunteering is in my blood, and I love getting to go to new places and talk to people. I believe that through my involvement in the community I have the personal skills needed to share how much the rodeo brings to our community not just in entertainment but with generous grants handed out throughout the year. I think that I would be able to represent the rodeo for it's true intention having experienced it first hand as a spectator and as a recipient of it's generosity through many facets that have been provided funding in the community. I look forward to the opportunity of telling my story to the public of how the Angelina Benefit Rodeo has positively impacted mine and my family's life over the years.