Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Miss Rodeo Kansas’ Cowgirl Personality Glows Brilliantly In Entertainment City Of Lights

The most congenial cowgirl in the country continues spreading the good news about America’s Number One Sport of Rodeo.

Climaxing eight stringent days of the Miss Rodeo America 2020 Pageant, Brooke Wallace of Council Grove was recognized Miss Congeniality.

Modeling one of her own personality created Western outfits Miss Rodeo Kansas Brooke Wallace of Council Grove was honored as Miss Congeniality at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas. She was third runner-up for the prestigious crown while claiming several other recognitions from the eight day competition during the National Finals Rodeo.

“To be selected by the other 26 contestants for this honor was more than I could hold together,” Brooke admitted.

Tears were nearly unstoppable for Miss Rodeo Kansas when announcement was made during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

Complementing the prestigious recognition came the announcer’s revealing Brooke also claimed the Personality Award.

“That completely blew me away for the judges’ acknowledging my true heartfelt feelings in all divisions of the pageant. I couldn’t help but giggle I was so thrilled,” Brooke confessed.

Tension heightened as pageant recognitions came over the loudspeaker culminating with the Kansas cowgirl named third runner-up for the crown.

Miss Rodeo South Dakota Jordan Tierney was named the 64th Miss Rodeo America to serve in 2020. Miss Rodeo Washington Hannah Leib claimed the runner-up honor, and Miss Rodeo Nebraska Eva Oliver was second runner-up

“It has all been so exciting so very cool to participate in this pageant on behalf of rodeo,” Brooke declared.

Kansas has had strong representation in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant throughout the years.

“Miss Rodeo Kansas has been in the top ten for more than a decade,” Brooke said. “I was pleased to be selected for the top five out of 27. Then to be third runner-up was such great satisfaction to keep up Kansas’ strong tradition.”

Every one of the state representatives to the pageant in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo had the same objective.

“We all came hoping to be crowned Miss Rodeo America, but there can only be one,” Miss Rodeo Kansas said. “We all knew that and have become good friends at rodeos throughout the year and even closer during the pageant.

“It was so much fun getting to know all of the contestants and sharing experiences for the good of rodeo. We will all be longtime friends,” Brooke assured. “I have been so very blessed to make so many acquaintances in every part of rodeo and this pageant.”

Her contagious spirit as a lifelong horseshow competitor became apparent when Brooke received the Roxann Harris Competitive Spirit Award.

“Roxann was a youth rodeo queen who became a successful advisor to many rodeo royalties as her career,” Brooke said. “I’ve always been very competitive in everything I’ve ever done especially in the rodeo arena. Evidently my determination showed through to pageant officials making it all so very pleasing.”

While not common knowledge among officials or many involved with the pageant, Miss Rodeo Kansas modeled her own outfits. She designed and constructed the entire wardrobe worn throughout the competition.

“My college education was in fashion design and my future career will be in creating Western clothing,” Brooke said. “So to wear my own creations and receive so many compliments and comments made the pageant even more special.”

Further proof of the Kansas cowgirl’s fashion creativeness came when she received The Wrangler Jeans Award for her decorated jacket.

“Each contestant decorated a denim jacket provided by Wrangler and company representatives chose mine as their favorite one,” Brooke smiled.

This award was not part of the overall pageant scoring yet was certainly appropriate for Brooke’s apparent talent.

The Miss Rodeo America Pageant during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas became a true family affair for Miss Rodeo Kansas Brooke Wallace of Council Grove when her Kansa family gathered with her as she received several special pageant awards.

Las Vegas becomes cowboy-cowgirl town when the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) hosts their National Finals Rodeo (NFR). “Several of us contestants stayed after the pageant to participate in more of the many activities,” Brooke said Friday morning.

Sara Prochaska, Brooke’s aunt, who accompanied her to the city of entertainment serving as pageant chaperone flew to Kansas Monday. “I’ll be driving back early next week and then take some time to relax and recuperate,” Brooke said.

That won’t be for long though as new rodeo pageantry will begin almost immediately. “I’m so excited to represent the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo of Abilene in the Miss Rodeo USA Pageant,” Brooke announced.

It will be January 14-19, at Guthrie, Oklahoma, in conjunction with the International Finals Rodeo January 17-18 -19. 

“Growing up at nearby New Cambria, I’ve attended the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo all of my life,” Brooke commented.

“It is a real privilege to be their representative in this important rodeo competition,” she added.

The Kansas cowgirl has served several rodeo groups as queen including being Miss Rodeo K-State while in college.

Miss Rodeo USA has represented the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) for more than five decades.

“I really am anticipating this pageant continuing my belief and support for the diverse sport of rodeo,” Brooke proclaimed. “It will take some study though to become more familiar with the IPRA rodeos compared to the PRCA events.”

More than a dozen contestants are expected for the pageant including horsemanship, modeling, public speaking, testing, interviews and more.

“The new queen will represent the IPRA at rodeos and events during the coming year,” Brooke explained. “I look forward to participation and always continuing to be involved in promoting and working for the sport of rodeo.”

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