Megan Sanderson
For The New Era
Rachale Zuhike of Terrebonne was crowned 2011 Sweet Home Rodeo Queen Saturday, Feb. 19.
Zuhike, 20, will preside over the rodeo events which are scheduled for July 8-10, during Sportsman’s Holiday.
The other contenders for the position were Brie Whiting, 17, of Springfield, and Jessica Blankenship, 18, of Sweet Home. Earlier that day each contestant was scored in horse trials, interviews and a written exam. During the coronation proceedings Saturday evening at the Sweet Home Elks Lodge, each gave a speech on why she thought she should be the 2011 queen and answered two impromptu questions, one personality and one knowledge.
The speeches started the coronation and covered topics such as the hardships a horse and rider may face, the many qualities that a rodeo queen should posses, and the heritage behind a rider. Impromptu questions followed shortly after. Each young woman was asked a question on personality that ranged from what color best described them to what trait you share with your horse, and a knowledge question ranged from what is a war bag to what TETWP (tough enough to wear pink) stands for.
After tallying the scores, the awards were given out. Whiting was awarded Miss Horsemanship, Zuhike was awarded Miss Photogenic, and Blankenship was awarded Miss Appearance.
Blankenship was named the runner up and Zuhike was crowned queen by last year’s Rodeo Queen Olivia Simpson.
“I feel amazing. I feel very accomplished and excited to represent Sweet Home,” Zuhike said. “I came into the competition as prepared as I could be and did my best.”
She says she will represent Sweet Home in a good and positive way, fulfilling her duties with grace, determination, and care.
She currently attends Western Oregon University where she is pursuing a degree in nursing.
In the upcoming events of the rodeo, Zuhike looks forward to going out into the community.
“I’m excited to represent Sweet Home and meeting new people inside the community.”