Shelby Ross is Miss Rodeo Oregon

Shelby Ross, the 2010 Sisters Rodeo Queen, became the 2012 Miss Rodeo Oregon on Saturday night at the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo in a premier event presented by the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant.

The 2009 Sisters High School graduate was announced as the winner as her parents, Melinda and Brian Witt and Candia and Dale Ross, waited in nervous anticipation. The sold-out crowd included about 30 enthusiastic supporters who were there for the conclusion of a long year of campaigning and determined effort from the Oregon State University junior.

"I am thrilled and honored to be the first Sisters woman selected to be Miss Rodeo Oregon," said a weary and very happy Ross on Sunday.

The family arrived home after a full day of meetings with the Miss Rodeo Oregon officials, but not until they got Boss, her stalwart gelding, settled and fed.

"The four-day competition was challenging and fun," she added. "I was awarded top scores in horsemanship, appearance, personality and written knowledge, four of the six categories. I also won the sales achievement award in advertising and raffle ticket sales."

The goal of Miss Rodeo Oregon is to educate, elevate and inspire. She promotes Oregon and professional rodeo throughout the Northwest to preserve Western heritage through education, leadership development and personal growth. As Ross travels representing the sport, her job is to present a positive image of rodeo at the highest level of integrity.

"I think she'll be one of the best Oregon queens we've ever had," said John Leavitt, Sisters Rodeo Director charged with management of Sisters Rodeo queens. "She is beautiful, confident and well-spoken, and has the love and support of her family. She will be a wonderful representative as Miss Rodeo Oregon."

Ross was the winner of the People's Choice Award on the Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant Facebook page. As Sisters Rodeo Queen, the young woman of boundless energy carried the banner of rodeo to more than just rodeos, promoting and passing out brochures at other equestrian events in Oregon and Washington during her 2010 tenure. She became a familiar presence wherever she felt she could promote Sisters and the rodeo lifestyle.

At the same time, the future elementary school teacher maintained a very respectable grade point average.

"Brian and I are tremendously proud of Shelby and the amount of hard work she put in preparing for this competition," said her mother, Melinda. "She kept her eye on the goal. Her goodness and energy shines through. People saw that she was genuine and real."

Even though the family was exhausted, they waxed glowingly about the overwhelming support they have had from other family members and friends. "It's been mind-blowing," her mom exclaimed simply.

While Ross waits for her year to begin next January, she acts as "lady in waiting" to the current Miss Rodeo Oregon, MacKenzie Carr. She will accompany Carr to events, the Columbia River Circuit Finals and National Finals Rodeo. Miss Rodeo Oregon competes at NFR for the title of Miss Rodeo America with queens from every state.

"I am so grateful for the support of all the businesses and friends who sponsored my journey," Ross added. "Stephanie Hedin, the vice president of Miss Rodeo Oregon Pageant, was irreplaceable in her guidance and encouragement."

Ross's victory was celebrated at the annual Sisters Rodeo Appreciation Party Saturday night with jubilation. The news arrived by text messages and calls to rodeo members within minutes of the judges' selection.

"She did a great job for us; she'll do a great job for the state," said Sisters Rodeo President Glenn Miller.