Bend woman chosen Sisters Rodeo Queen

Stephanie West rode "Vegas" in her audition for the title of Sisters Rodeo Queen.

Stephanie West of Bend has been selected as the 2001 Sisters Rodeo Queen, following auditions held March 25 at the Sisters Rodeo Arena.

She will reign during the 61st annual Sisters Rodeo to be held June 8-10 and she will represent the rodeo at other events during the year, according to John Leavitt, queen selection committee chair.

Stephanie is the daughter of Roland and Sherry West of Bend. The new queen, who turned 19 on March 27, plans to enter Central Oregon Community College next fall.

Her contact with the Sisters Rodeo goes back a number of years when she attended the rodeo as a young girl.

The selection was announced to a group of 35 Sisters Rodeo Association members, family members and friends of contestants at the rodeo clubhouse on Sunday.

Applicants were judged on personality, appearance, riding ability and the contestant's horse. In addition to the riding demonstration, contestants made a brief oral presentation and responded to questions from the judges.

The queen will receive a wardrobe, a Sisters Rodeo belt buckle, travel expenses, and a $500 Sally Leavitt Queen's Scholarship for continued education.

West, a barrel racer, is excited to represent the Sisters Rodeo, particularly since the rodeo will feature a full Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association finals and be broadcast on ESPN.

"The Sisters Rodeo Association is really well respected and plays a big part in the PRCA," West said.

"I'm very honored that I get to represent the Sisters Rodeo."