Emily Clark is Sisters Rodeo Queen

After watching the rodeo a year ago, Emily Clark told her friends that she was going to try out for Sisters Rodeo Queen. They all laughed.

"You're just not queen material," they said, reminding her that she spent more time driving a tractor than anything else, and that she was "just a hometown girl."

The Tumalo resident proved them all wrong on Sunday, September 26, when she was crowned Sisters Rodeo Queen for 2011.

"My brother told me the night after that rodeo to not let anyone tell you you can't do anything you want to do," Emily told the crowd at the rodeo grounds during her speech. She didn't forget that.

Beginning in the third grade, Clark and a friend practiced being rodeo queens, "performing for barn cats, cow dogs and ranch horses.

"I have learned no matter what it is, if I have drive and determination I can achieve my goals. I've won first-place ribbons and high point trophies, and nothing can replace the joy of knowing it was because of my hard work, effort and heart," Clark said.

"The time I have spent on horses has taught me not only nothing happens overnight but it certainly won't happen by watching the world turn around me."

Clark is the daughter of Tumalo residents Jan and Brent Clark. That wise older brother is Brandon, with whom she shared farming duties on 50 acres of hay at the family's ranch. Her grandparents, Muriel and Robert, also live in Tumalo.

"I am so very, very proud and excited," said her mom, Jan.

Clark has an associates degree in science from Central Oregon Community College. She is studying for a BS in psychology. She graduated with honors from Redmond High School, where she was on the equestrian and snowboard teams.

Four applicants competed for the title of rodeo queen in interviews with judges, speeches to the rodeo members and guests, and performances on their horses in a planned pattern in the rodeo arena. Clark's horse, Holly, gave a nearly flawless performance.

Sisters Rodeo Queen represents the rodeo at all the rodeos of the Columbia River Circuit in the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association. She also promotes the rodeo at schools, in the media and at community

events.

"I am so excited, I can't explain how I feel," said the new queen. "Everyone here has been so welcoming."

Clark ended her speech with her life mantra: "If I can inspire one person to go out there and do that one thing no one thought he or she could do, that is worth more than anything."

She now has the crown to back it up.