Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019!

As 2018 comes to an end, that means the titles must be passed on to the next group of girls to reign for the Ozark Rodeo Association. Maddy and Jacci have done a great job this past year representing the Ozark Rodeo Association and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them. They will both appear one last time at the Ozark Rodeo Association Awards Banquet in February, but they have each taken the time to reflect on their year as titleholders and I hope you all enjoy going down memory lane with them.

I cannot believe my time has come to end my year as Miss ORA 2018. Though my year was short, I had the best time of my life. Becoming Miss ORA was an unexpected surprise, but I was accepted with opening arms. Coming into the season with few rodeos left gave me little time to gather my bearings. I really had to sit down and think about what I really wanted to promote for the rest of the year. I choose to always being the smiling face at every rodeo. Not only to smile, but to make sure to encourage all contestants, of all ages. To always be around to lend a helping hand and most importantly to enjoy every minute of this journey. As we all know I am not a typical queen. My hair never stays curled, my clothes were never up to par with most queen standards, but I made the best of it and loved every minute of this ride. I have had the best support team.
To my mom and my dad, thank you for pushing me and always believing in me.
To Laurie and Audrey, my two favorite hauling partners, thank you for always being willing to leave at whatever time I needed to be on time or early to every perf, even when that meant really late nights.
Shannon and Sherrie, thank you for all of your advice, clothing me when I needed something a little more queen and a little less plain.
Shannon, thank you for trusting me with this title and always being the best director you could be. Always being willing to help with hair or makeup. We had quite a season, from competitors to being my director it was a great year.
To my grandma, my guardian angel, I miss you daily,  I so wish you coulda been here to watch me on this journey, I can only imagine how you would have reacted to seeing me all dressed up. You are the greatest guardian angel I could ask for. I miss and love you so much.
Jacci, you were the greatest Teen one could ask for. You always were there to lend a helping hand and accepted me with such open arms. It was such a fun year with you.
To the ORA board and its members, thank you all for the support that you have given me. It has been the best year I could ever have. The stress and busy days have been so worth it. I am so blessed to have been apart of this association and to hold a title as queen.
As for the future queens, enjoy the year, make the best of everything, and always hold a smile and be ready for pictures. It goes by way to quick, then you find yourself where I am, writing your farewell, are crying while eating Oreos.
Onto the next one,
Your Miss ORA 2018
​Madison Benson. 

It is hard for me to believe that my reign as Miss Teen Ozark Rodeo Association is almost over. I started representing rodeo in 2015, as Jr. Miss Greencastle Rodeo. That weekend I knew I was in love with rodeo and being an advocate for the greatest sport. The next year I won Jr. Miss Mark Twain Lake Rodeo 2016, and later that year I won Miss Teen Rodeo Missouri 2017. My year as representing Missouri taught me a lot about how to be the best representative I could be! Professional rodeo is an amazing thing; you meet new people at every rodeo, and to be apart of the bigger picture.
When my reign was coming to an end, Shannon sent me a message to enlighten me about the ORA pageant. I am so thankful she did! If she would not have messaged me I would have more than likely missed this huge opportunity to represent the ORA. Throughout my year I have met many of you, and you all have become a family to me!
I have gained so many new chances to represent the ORA around my hometown, and throughout the state of Missouri. I have attended exceptional rodeos, parades, daddy daughter dances, and community events to help promote what the ORA has to offer. Thank you to the board for letting me be the face of this wonderful association!
Thank you to each and every one of the ORA members for welcoming me with open arms; you have made this a year to remember.
One more thank you to Shannon Norris, who made this year flawless. You have become an inspiration for every girl around you, and I can’t wait to see where your aspirations take you!
​Thank you to my mom and dad for always supporting and believing in me. You have always stood behind me and my craziest dreams! You are the reason I am where I am today! I am and always will be forever thankful for all the opportunities this rein has given me!
For one last time I am your 2018 Miss Teen Ozark Rodeo Association Jacci Gregory!

Stay tuned to meet our 2019 Titleholders!
Until Next Time,
Shannon Norris
Director
​Miss ORA Pageant