OklahomaHorses Magazine September 2021

September/October 2021 • OklahomaHorses 23 About the Oklahoma Rodeo Pageants Council T he Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Pageant is sponsored by the Oklahoma Rodeo Pageants Council Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to providing diverse opportunities for the development of young women of Oklahoma to maximize their educational potential while also promoting the sport of rodeo, the state of Oklahoma, the state’s legacy, and the western way of life. The council hosts pageants for four age groups: Sweetheart for girls ages four through eight; Princess, for ages nine through 12; Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Teen, for 13 through 17; and Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, for 18 through 24. Melissa Heaton, national director for the Oklahoma Rodeo Pageants Council, noted, “We feel that the preparation for competing in the pageant alone gives [the girls] an experience that will help them to succeed in all areas of their lives, from school to careers. The confidence that they develop from being able to stand on stage, answer impromptu questions, give a prepared speech, or in the Miss division, compose a speech from a limited list of topics in ten minutes and then go onstage and present that speech, all while being judged, gives them the skills required in this world to reach their goals.” Each year, the Oklahoma rodeo pageants are held in conjunction with theWoodward Elks Rodeo. Heaton relayed that the Miss Rodeo Oklahoma contestants always have a very full and rigorous schedule during the state pageant. Heaton is Myers’ direct contact with the ORPC board. She coschedules Myers’ appearances throughout the year and is the ORPC liaison for Miss Rodeo America, Inc. “Kylie is certainly a shining star for the state of Oklahoma and a wonderful horsewoman,” said Heaton. “We are very proud she is representing our state.” Kylie Myers, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, waves to the crowd during a hot lap at the 2020 Lawton Rangers PRCA Rodeo in Lawton, Oklahoma. Photo courtesy of the Lawton Rangers via Facebook.