And The New Miss Rodeo Montana Is...

On January 14, 2001 Past President Ed Hebbe III and Past Recording Secretary Ed Hebbe IV traveled to Great Falls to represent the Montana Trappers Association and present a newly coronated Miss Rodeo Montana with a fur vest.  Being present during the past five years and making a presence for the MTA at the Miss Rodeo Montana coronations, both are not quite ready to relinquish this role.  "It just wouldn't be the same without them," stated Jody Rempel, State Director for Miss Rodeo Montana.  "They've been wonderful representatives for the trappers association and rodeo.  And everyone who attends the coronation ceremonies each year enjoys their presence."

This year five contestants from across the state vied for the position of Miss Rodeo Montana 2001.  Besides first and second runner ups, six other awards were presented for appearance, personality, horsemanship, speech, congeniality and most photogenic.  This year Miss Rodeo Montana 2001 was presented to home schooled Miss Kristina Mensik of Red Lodge.  Kristina is the 22 year old daughter of Bob and Kathe Mensik.  She grew up in Red Lodge but spent her high school years in Illinois and graduated from Countyline Christian Academy.  She is currently attending Western Montana College seeking a double major in Public Relations and Business Communications.  Kristina stated that when she was 6, her dad, Bob, then treasurer of the Home of Champions Rodeo, introduced me to my first rodeo queen, Miss Home of Champions Virginia Waller.  "I'll always remember that day, because through that meeting, the dream of becoming a rodeo queen was born.  Following in Virginia's footsteps, I proudly served as Miss home of Champions in 1999 and 2000, as I worked towards a bigger dream - Miss Rodeo Montana.  I am very honored to have won the 2001 title."  Many people think being a rodeo queen is just fancy clothes and big hair, but it's so much more.  It's the responsibility of representing the contestants, the committees and the sponsors.  In addition, with the sport of Rodeo and our western way of life becoming increasingly under attack, it's my responsibility to educate the public in an articulate manner while being a positive role model.  I shall continue to devote myself to these ends, Montana, and make you proud!  This December as I compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America during the NFR, I will be working hard to bring the title to Montana for the first time ever.