Weaverville – The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) recently announced its winner for the North Carolina High School Rodeo Queen, and she’s a local from Weaverville.
Clara Hale, 16, competed in the North Carolina High School Rodeo finals competition and was crowned Rodeo Queen on May 24th. How you might ask, did she compete? Well, NHSRA held the competition down in South Carolina, where the state has already reopened for events from the COVID-19 shutdown.
Her winning means she will now be representing the state at the National High School Rodeo Finals in July. Where those finals will be held is still to be determined, said Hale. This was her first year competing in the rodeo competition.
NHSRA is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of sportsmanship, horsemanship and character in the youth of the country through the sport of rodeo.
The North Carolina High School Rodeo Queen is selected based on her judged performance in these eight categories: Modeling, Personality, Appearance, Personal Interview, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech, Written Test, and Horsemanship. Hale’s prepared speech was entitled “Mustangs – Not Fast Cars.”
Hale is a rising senior at North Buncombe High School, an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where she is the vice-president and regional secretary and an honor student with CTE honors in Agriculture Cluster. She is also a member of North Point Baptist Youth Group, shows livestock through FFA and 4-H and a current competitor in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Competition.
As queen, her responsibilities for the next year will include:
*Representing the Association in full rodeo/western attire with crown and sash in all requested activities including, but not limited to, parades, award ceremonies, media functions or events, fundraisers, etc.
*Attend all In-State Rodeos and represent the Association
*Coordinate, organize and oversee all grand entry activities insuring safety, and that all National Sponsors are properly recognized
*At least one hour prior to rodeo start time and through the end of each rodeo, when not competing, be present in the stands in crown and sash. Queen is expected to talk with spectators, welcome them to the rodeo and sell fundraiser items and/or support other fundraiser activities of the Association
*Support the efforts, goals and endeavors of the NCHSRA Board of Directors and the Student Officers/leadership within the Association
She intends to be active in rodeo and horse competitions and plans to attend AB-Tech for a business degree and own a horse training and lesson facility.
“I’m very grateful and excited to have this opportunity to represent North Carolina and the High School Rodeo Association. I’m very excited for this year and to interact with all the rodeo association members,” she said.