Miss Rodeo Montana Crowning
Updated: January 14, 2013
Miss Rodeo Montana 2012, Mariah Rys-Sikora, will crown her successor on Saturday, January 12th at a public luncheon in Great Falls. At the same time, outgoing Miss Teen Rodeo Montana 2012, Jennika O'Neil of Raynesford, will also crown her successor. The Miss Rodeo Montana Pageant is a longstanding tradition of more than fifty years that annually selects a young woman to represent the State of Montana and the Sport of Professional Rodeo. Miss Rodeo Montana serves as Montana's "First Lady of Rodeo," attending parades, rodeos and community events throughout Montana and in neighboring States and Canada. She is a goodwill ambassador as she speaks to clubs, organizations, and school kids about the importance of our western values and heritage; gives numerous radio and television interviews and holds "kiddie" rodeos to teach kids about the sport of rodeo. At the end of her year of reign, Miss Rodeo Montana travels to Las Vegas, Nevada, to compete in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant held during the National Finals Rodeo - a title that to date, has never yet come home to Montana.
Succeeding Rys-Sikora for the title of Miss Rodeo Montana 2013 is Alyson Grinestaff. Originally from Red Lodge, MT, Grinestaff now calls Bozeman home. The 23 year old daughter of Marcus Grinestaff and Myra Pearce graduated as Salutatorian from Red Lodge High. She served the Home of Champions PRCA Rodeo in 2005 as Princess and Queen in 2007 and 2008. An ambitious student, Alyson graduated from MSU-Bozeman in 2011 with Honors. While attaining her degree in English Literature from MSU, Alyson led Bible studies with Campus Crusade. After graduating from MSU, she completed an internship with Journey Church in Bozeman in the Women's Discipleship Department. A true cowgirl, Alyson is excited to serve Montana as an ambassador championing the values and lifestyle of rodeo cowboys and cowgirls and all those dedicated to the western way of life.
The title of Miss Teen Rodeo Montana 2013 will be held by to Alaini Lorash. Lorash is the 17 year old daughter of Michael and Bobbie Lorash and older sister to Mikela. She calls the 4K Ranch in Fishtail, MT her home. She is a junior at Billings Central Catholic High School where she's an honor roll student. She participates in the Billings Youth Leadership Program and Speech and Debate. Lorash mentors children through Inner Faith Hospitality Network and the KCK program. Her career goals consist of a achieving a degree in Communications and Equine Science.
After stepping down as Miss Rodeo Montana 2012, Rys-Sikora, the daughter of Adam and Anne Rys-Sikora of Missoula, will continue her studies in communications and public relations at the University of Montana with a goal to receive teaching accreditation. Mariah is a member of the UM Griz Rodeo Team competing in goat tying, barrel racing, and breakaway roping. Mariah was selected as the 2012 Outstanding Team Member for her dedication her teammates, practice, promoting the sport of rodeo as Miss Rodeo Montana, scoring the most points on the team, and her positive attitude. Upon graduation, Mariah will pursue employment in a field connected with rodeo and eventually teach High School English and History. She spends what free time she has with her horses, friends, and writing about her experiences on the road.
O'Neil, the 18-year-old daughter of Tom and Janie O'Neil of Raynesford, is currently attending Montana State University Great Falls College of Technology in pursuit of an Associate's Degree in Applied Sciences. After obtaining this degree she would like to continue her education in Great Falls with the ultimate goal of becoming a certified Dental Hygienist so that she can educate people on the importance of a healthy smile. She also enjoys riding her horses and is often called upon to sing the National Anthem.
Rys-Sikora and O'Neil will both be assisting at this year's Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo each performance. The Coronation Luncheon will be held on Saturday, January 12th, 12:00 noon - 1:30pm at the Hampton Inn in Great Falls. Tickets are $20 per person and are available on the web at www.missrodeomontana.com or by calling 899-4640. Reservations are suggested.
