RDC student crowned Miss Rodeo Canada
Central Albertans continue to rise to the top at the Miss Rodeo Canada contest.
Gillian Shields, 21, of Didsbury and a Red Deer College student, was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2013 in Edmonton on Saturday at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Arleta Bowhay, of Sundre, took the top prize a year ago.
Shields, a barrel racer and violinist, grew up in 4-H. She is an active volunteer in her community, a registered massage therapist, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree to become an elementary music and special education teacher.
She was crowned Miss Rodeo Airdrie in 2011.
Shields spent last week competing against Miss Grande Prairie Stompede Sarah Michel and Miss Rodeo Okotoks Nicole Schlaak in horsemanship, public speaking, and rodeo knowledge. She was also judged on overall personality, poise and maturity.
She won the horsemanship and rodeo knowledge portions of the pageant, and ultimately the crown.
Shields will attend several events over the next 12 months, starting with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Dec. 6 to 15.
Miss Rodeo Canada, a non-profit organization, has been supporting the personal development of young women and promoting rodeo for more than 50 years.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.