What have we been up to?

As I sat in front of the gate on my paint mare, holding the American flag and wearing the ORA
Queen chaps that were graciously passed down to me, and hearing the announcer have the
crowd welcome me as their new royalty for the year... I felt what I have always tried to explain
to others about rodeo. Happiness and Excitement. The season had begun.

As I made my way around that arena and looked among the crowd, I could instantly tell that the
spirit of rodeo is still very much alive and well. With as much going on with progress in our
country and the “out with the old and in with the new”, it is an indescribable feeling to see the
smiling faces of fans that came to see the “the old” that I too had fell in love with growing up.
Rodeo is here to stay and represents everyday that the western way of life is a part of our
history as well as something to be respected and supported. I am proud of the people of this
organization working hard each year to bring that view I was able to see at the beginning of
each rodeo... that is what it is truly all about! I am very blessed to be able to influence and
promote the public about rodeo and agriculture through the ORA.

We raise that flag the start of each rodeo to remind us all why we are here and the great
country we are able to rodeo in. What a blessing it is to be in the arena each weekend in the
Land of the Free and as they say “It’s Rodeo Time”!

I can’t wait to see y’all at the next one!
Your queen,
-Monica Stewart

I have been exceptionally busy since my regin has started. I attended the Daddy Daughter Dance in Kirksville, MO on Friday, April 27th. While there I was able to dance with the girls, take pictures, and sign autographs. 
         April 29th, we hosted a barrel race fundraiser in Bowling Green, MO. The day was a success, and we were able to watch some pretty competitive runs. After that our first rodeo was held at St. Clair, MO on May 4th and 5th. At the next rodeo in Desloge, MO on the 11th and 12th of May, we drew for the winner of our smartwatch. We also had a drawing for a cute cooler and purse, both which were stuffed with goodies. This drawing was special to me because the next day was Mother's Day, and some lucky ladies were presented with these goodies. 
          At these rodeos, I have carried the American Flag, and gotten to know some of the competitors. I know I speak for all of us when I say, we are all excited for this year to kick off and get full swing into rodeo season. 
-Jacci Gregory
​Miss Teen ORA 2018

Photos courtesy of: Rockin Rodeo Creations and Miss Ozark Rodeo Association Pageant