Who will be Miss Rodeo Illinois 2009

 

Miss Rodeo Illinois 2009
PageantContestants

 

Held Labor Day weekend in Palestine, IL
     
Cassandra Hartter Rebecca Kloker Jessica Shelabarger
Cassandra Hartter is the 20 year old daughter of Carl and Elayne Hartter from Mackinaw, IL.  A graduate of Deer creek-Mackinaw High School, Cassandra was a student at the Illinois State University and is currently attending Murray State University.  She will graduate there in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design with a goal of starting a career within the Design field closely involved with the PRCA as well as furthering her barrel racing career within a professional organization.  In her free time, Cassandra enjoys art, dance, tumbling, theater, movies, traveling, graphic design, boating, ATVing, swimming, CERES Sorority and camping.  Cassandra was selected the Public Relations Chair for the Murray State Rodeo Team 2008-2009 and is the Murray State Rodeo Team Official Website Administrator.  She is active in Intercollegiate Rodeo, NBHA Events, Pekin Riding Club Fun Shows, Murray State Equestrian Team Volunteer, Murray State Rodeo Team and Club Member as well as jumping and English dressage.  When asked why she wants to be Miss Rodeo Illinois 2009, Cassandra stated “For me, the opportunity to be Miss Rodeo Illinois would enable me to gain experience within the PRCA as a spokeswoman.  This experience would benefit me in a number of ways including my career goals, education and personal image.  It is an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up!” Rebecca Kloker is the 21 year old daughter of Norm and Jean Kloker and hails from Rushville, IL. After graduating from Ponderosa Christian Academy, Rebecca is attending the University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts where she will graduate this September.  After graduation, one of her future goals is to own and operate her own hair salon while pursuing a career in professional barrel racing.  In addition to keeping up on the latest hair and fashion trends, Rebecca also enjoys reading, dancing and taking road trips with friends.  She has served as Camp Counselor in the summertime at Performing Arts Camp and has served as a pageant crew member for the 2008 Schuyler County Fair. Rebecca has earned several awards including 2006 Miss Schuyler County Fair Queen,2005 NBHA Great Lakes National Reserve Champion Youth; 2005 NBHA World Qualifier; 2005 Illinois High School Rodeo State Finals weekend average Barrel Racing Champion; 3-time Illinois High School Rodeo State Finals qualifier; 2005 National High School Rodeo Finals qualifier in Barrel Racing.  When asked why she wants to be Miss Rodeo Illinois 2009, Rebecca stated “I sincerely believe that rodeo is America’s #1 sport!  If chosen as Miss Rodeo Illinois it would be my goal to demonstrate that whether you’re a bulldoggin’ cowboy, a barrel racin’ cowgirl or a cheering spectator, rodeo truly is for everyone! Jessica Shelabarger is the 21 year old daughter of Neal and Lisa Shelabarger and hails from Manito, IL.  After graduating from Pekin Community High School, Jessica went on to earn a degree in Cosmetology Arts and would like to own and run her own successful hair salon which would support her rodeo habit.   In addition to being a licensed Cosmetologist, Jessica is also a Certified Equine Massage Therapist and a Certified Nurses Aide.  In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends and working with her dog on obedience.  Jessica is an active member in the NBHA, IPRA, a lifetime member of the Pekin Riding Club and has also participated in 4-H.  When asked why she wants to be Miss Rodeo Illinois 2009, Jessica stated “I would like to represent the State of Illinois as their rodeo queen to promote the sport of rodeo.  I feel I can educate our future generation on the core values of Horsemanship and competition in the rodeo.  I will travel within and outside of State boundaries promoting the sport of rodeo for new and old fans alike.  My goal is to inspire others to love the sport that means so much to me.”