Strathmore teen competes for the title of queen

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Three young hopefuls are vying for a chance to secure the title of queen in the Strathmore Stampede Royalty program, with sights set on representing the town at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Eighteen-year-old Shayla Gerencer, from Strathmore, competed against two Calgary competitors, Jessica Craig and Jessica Pinkey, in the Horsemanship Challenge on July 18 and put her best food forward at a talent show on July 23.
Gerencer, the youngest participant, began horseback riding at age three, and has participated in everything from barrel racing, to roping, jumping, and trick riding. The recent graduate, who plans to attend Lethbridge University to pursue a degree in sciences, had been interested in competing for several years. When the opportunity was posted around town, she leapt at the chance.
“I think it would honestly be an honour to represent Strathmore,” Gerencer said. “I’ve lived here my entire life, I know the area, I know everybody, and it’s home to me. Representing it in the rodeo would be one step above that, because I love to rodeo and it would just be awesome to represent Strathmore that way.”
Strathmore hasn’t held the program, also known as the Strathmore Rodeo Queen Competition, since 2000. With Becca Walters appointed to fill the void in 2012 and currently still in possession of the title, the Strathmore Stampede Royalty Committee decided to resurrect the competition.
“We’re very impressed with them,” said Judi Wilson, chair of the committee, in regards to the Horsemanship Competition. “The judges were really impressed with the girls, and of course that’s only one part of the competition.”
The three women will be judged at the Horsemanship Competition, fashion show, public speaking, and appreciation banquet. They are also required to participate in personal interviews with the committee.
The public speaking aspect of the competition will commence on July 25 in the Chuck Mercer room at 10 a.m.